Walking Gait Cycle

Question 1

What is the start and end of one full stride?

Answer 1

One full step cycle starts with the heel strike of one foot and ends with the heel strike of the same foot

Question 2

What are the two phases of the gait cycle?

Answer 2

1. Stance phase

2. Swing phase

Question 3

What are the three subphases of the stance phase? What are the five steps of the stance phase?

Answer 3

Three phases: Double support 1, Single support and Double support 2

1. Heel strike #1
2. Foot flat
3. Mid stride
4. Heel off
5. Toe off

Question 4

What are the two steps of the swing phase?

Answer 4

1. Limb swing

2. Heel strike #2

Question 5

What is the first step of the stance phase and which muscle is utilized? What is this muscle’s function during this step?

Answer 5

Step 1 (stance): Heel strike #1
- Gluteus Maximus stabilizes the trunk

Question 6

What is the second step of the stance phase and which muscle is utilized? What is this muscle’s function during this step?

Answer 6

Step 2 (stance): Foot flat
- Quadriceps stabilize the knee

Question 7

What is the third step of the stance phase and which muscles (2) are utilized? What is the function of these muscles during this step?

Answer 7

Step 3 (stance): Mid stance
- Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Minimus stabilize the pelvis in the frontal plane

Question 8

What is the fourth step of the stance phase and which muscles (2) are utilized? What is the function of these muscles during this step?

Answer 8

Step 4 (stance): Heel off
- Gastrocnemius and Soleus accelerate the body up and forward

Question 9

What is the fifth step of the stance phase and which muscle is utilized? What is this muscle’s function during this step?

Answer 9

Step 5 (stance): Toe off
- Iliopsoas initiates limb swing

Question 10

What is the first step of the swing phase and which muscle is utilized? What is this muscle’s function during this step?

Answer 10

Step 1 (swing): Limb swing
- Iliopsoas initiates limb swing

Question 11

What is the second step of the swing phase and which muscle is utilized? What is this muscle’s function during this step?

Answer 11

Step 2 (swing): Heel strike #2
- Hamstrings decelerate and reposition the swinging limb

Question 12

What other muscle group is utilized during the first and second steps of the swing phase? What are the functions (2) of these muscles during these steps?

Answer 12

Step 1 & 2 (swing): Limb swing and Heel Strike #2

- Dorsiflexors clear the foot in limb swing and position the foot for a heel strike

Question 13

What is a waddling gait? Which two muscles display loss of function with this gait?

Answer 13

Trunk pitches from side to side (towards the hip of the LE on the ground)
- Indicates loss of function with Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Minimus

Question 14

What is a steppage gait? Which two muscle groups display loss of function with this gait?

Answer 14

Increased limb flexion during limb swing and and lack of distinct heel strike (foot drop)
- Indicates loss of function with ankle dorsiflexors and toe extensors