Normal Gait Introduction

Normal Gait Introduction

• The learning objective is to identify components of normal gait.

Gait Cycle (GC)

• A gait cycle starts when a foot contacts the ground and ends with the same foot contacting the ground again.
• Stance phase: The time the foot is in contact with the ground.
• Swing phase: The time after the stance phase when the foot is not in contact with the ground.

Double Support and Single Support

• Double support: Both feet on the ground simultaneously.
• Single support: One foot on the ground, the other in the air.

Components of Gait

• The gait cycle includes phases like heel strike, loading response, midstance, terminal stance, preswing, initial swing, midswing, and terminal swing.
• Each phase involves specific muscle actions and body positioning.
• Stance phase duration accounts for about 60%, and double support and single support periods are both 10% and 40%, respectively.

Spatial Features of Gait

• Step length: Distance covered by each step.
• Stride length: Distance covered from one heel strike to the next.
• Walking base/step width: Distance between the two feet at any point in the gait.

Temporal Features of Gait

• Cadence: The number of steps taken in a given time.
• Speed: Distance covered in a given time.

This quiz covers the fundamentals of normal gait, including the components and phases of the gait cycle. Learn about concepts like stance phase, swing phase, and the significance of double and single support. Perfect for students and professionals interested in biomechanics and physical therapy.