Phases Of Gait (from 2016)

Question 1

pre-heel contact

Answer 1

• limb internally rotates
• knee extended
• AJ DF slightly
• MTJ OA = pronated (EDL and per tertius), LA supinated (TA)
• 1st ray and hallux DF (EHL)

Question 2

contact

Answer 2

• limb continues to internally rotate
• knee starts to flex
• AJ starts to PF
• STJ starts to pronate to absorb leg rotation, shock absorption
• MTJ : OA pronated, LA starts to pronate with forefoot loading (GRF, TA)
• TP, sol, gastroc, FDL all eccentrically descelerate STJ pronation

Question 3

end of contact

Answer 3

• limb begins to externally rotate
• knee extends to accept weight from contralateral leg
• on full forefoot contact AJ starts to DF
• STJ starts to supinate
• TA ceases to function
• 1st ray DF if sufficient MTJ LA ROM

Question 4

midstance

Answer 4

• limb externally rotates
• knee extended
• AJ continues to DF as trunk moves over the foot until 10 deg DF
• STJ supinates until neutral
• MTJ : OA pronated, and LA achieves max pronation due to STJ neutral

Question 5

heel lift is achieved through a combination of:

Answer 5

• forward trunk momentum (COG has passed over the foot)
• deceleration of tibia by calf mm
• continual gastrocnemius contraction which PF AJ, flexes knee and flex hip indirectly

Question 6

propulsion

Answer 6

• limb externally rotates
• knee flexed,
• STJ supinates past neutral to increase rigid lever position stabilising the forefoot joints to handle the vertical forces passing through them