ICL 6.2: Gait Mechanics Flashcards
define gait
the translatory progression of the body as a whole, produced by coordinated, rotary movements of body segments
what are the characteristics of normal gait?
- rhythmic, smooth; not choppy
2. characterized by alternating propulsive and retropulsive motions of the lower extremities
define gait cycle
typically recorded from the time ONE foot strikes the ground until that episode recurs and starts the next, repeating cycle
define stride
segment of distance the body traverses during the gait cycle
so right foot to right foot
define a step
each stride is made of one step by each foot
normally symmetrical in length
right foot to left foot hitting the ground
define cadence
frequency of stepping = steps/minute
define speed
cadence x step length
define stride length
the linear distance from the heel strike of one lower limb to the next heel strike of the same limb
define step length
the linear distance from the heel strike of one lower limb to the next heel strike of the other limb
what is the degree of toe out?
the angle of foot formed by each foot’s line of progression and a line intersecting the center of the heel and the 2nd toe
this decreases as the speed of walking increases in normal adults
what percent of your gait cycle is stance vs. swing phase?
stance = 60%
swing = 40%
what are the two types of variables of gait?
- temporal
stance time, single-limb and double-support time, swing time, stride and step time, cadence, speed
- distance
stride length, step length and width, degree of toe-out
what is the stance phase?
the time period during which limb is in contact with ground
60% of the gait cycle
what is the swing phase?
the time period during which the SAME foot is in the air for limb advancement
40% of the gait cycle
what is single-limb support?
the time period when the opposite foot is lifted for swing phase
it’s the amount of time spent during double-limb support decreases as speed of walking increases
80% of the normal gait cycle
what is double-limb support?
it’s the time period during which both feet are in contact with the floor
both the beginning and the end of the stance phase are considered to be double=support period
20% of the normal gait cycle
what happens to double-limb support during running?
it decreases
what are the traditional stages of the gait cycle?
- Heel Strike
- Foot Flat
- Mid-stance
- Heel off
- Toe off
- Acceleration
- Mid-swing
- Deceleration
what are the new stages of the gait cycle?
- Initial Contact
- Loading Response
- Mid-stance
- Terminal Stance
- Pre-swing
- Initial swing
- Mid-swing
- Terminal swing
what is the first phase of the stance phase?
initial contact/heel strike
this phase begins with initial contact and ends with foot flat
it’s the beginning of stance phase when heel contacts the ground
what is the second phase of the stance phase?
loading response/foot flat
it’s the time period from immediately following initial contact up until contralateral extremity lifted from the ground
weight shift occurs! your foot is completely flat on the ground and you start to shift your weight onto that foot
during which phase of the gait cycle is your center of gravity the lowest?
loading response/foot flat
your foot is completely flat on the ground and you start to shift your weight onto that foot