Gait cycle
Gait Cycle
The Gait Cycle (pronounced: gate cycle) is a term used in medicine and physiology to describe the sequence of movements that an individual makes with their feet during walking or running.
Etymology
The term "gait" originates from the Old Norse word "gata", meaning path or road, while "cycle" comes from the Greek word "kyklos", meaning circle or wheel. Together, the term "gait cycle" refers to the repetitive pattern of steps taken during locomotion.
Definition
The gait cycle begins when one foot makes contact with the ground and ends when the same foot contacts the ground again. It is typically divided into two main phases: the stance phase, which occurs when the foot is in contact with the ground, and the swing phase, which occurs when the foot is in the air. Each phase is further subdivided into different stages.
Stance Phase
The stance phase begins with initial contact or heel strike, where the heel of the foot first touches the ground. This is followed by the loading response or foot flat, where the rest of the foot comes into contact with the ground. The midstance stage occurs when the body weight is directly over the stance foot. The terminal stance or heel off is when the heel of the foot lifts off the ground, and the preswing or toe off is when the toes leave the ground, marking the end of the stance phase.
Swing Phase
The swing phase begins with the initial swing, where the foot is lifted off the ground and moves forward. The midswing occurs when the swinging foot is directly beneath the body, and the terminal swing is when the foot is lowered to make contact with the ground again, marking the end of the swing phase and the beginning of the next gait cycle.
Related Terms
- Stride: The distance covered in one gait cycle.
- Step: One half of a stride, from the point one foot contacts the ground to the point the other foot contacts the ground.
- Cadence: The number of steps taken per minute.
- Gait Analysis: The systematic study of human walking, using the eye and the brain of observers, augmented by instrumentation for measuring body movements, body mechanics, and the activity of the muscles.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gait cycle
- Wikipedia's article - Gait cycle
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