The Gait Cycle

  During bi-pedal locomotion, there are two distinct phases: a stance phase where the foot touches the ground and the swing phase when the foot swings toward the next stance phase. 

  The Stance Phase is divided into 3 distinct phases:

1. Double Support phase when both feet are in contact with the ground

2. Single Leg Stance where one leg is on the ground while the other is swinging through

3. Double Support again where both feet are on the ground

  The following figure illustrate the standard gait cycle:

  In a normal gait, there is relatively symmetry between the various phases. The timing of each phase remain relatively constant. However, in pathological situation, an asymmetrical pattern exists. Gait analysis can determine this phase relationship and the particular timing for each phase.

  The gait cycle is divided into 8 periods with 5 in the Stance Phase and 3 during the Swing Phase.

Stance Phase:

1. Heel strike

2. Foot-flat

3. Midstance

4. Heel-off

5. Toe-off

Swing Phase:

6. Acceleration

7. Midswing

8. Deceleration

 

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