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During one gait cycle each extremities passes through two phases,
1. A single STANCE PHASE= 60-65%
2. A single SWING PHASE= 40-35%
The Gait cycle is the time interval or sequence of motion occurring between two
consecutive initial contacts of the same foot (Ipsilateral foot).
1. STANCE PHASE:
Period in which some portion of the foot of the reference extremities is in
contact with the supporting surfaces.
The period extant from the point of initial foot contact of the lower extremities
to the point at which only the toes of the same extremities are in contact with
the supporting surfaces.
Or
Stance phase begins at the instant that one extremity contact s the ground
(heel strike) and continue only as long as some portion of the foot is in contact
with the ground (toe off). During stance phase of gait some portion of the foot
is in contact with the supporting surfaces at all times.
2. SWING PHASE:
Period in which the foot of the reference extremities is in contact with the
supporting surfaces.
Swing phase extend from the instant that the toes of the reference extremities
(right lower extremities) leaves the ground to just before initial contact of the
reference extremities.
S. Traditional Classification % of Gait S. RLA Classification % of Gait Cycle
No. Cycle No.
STANCE PHASE 60%-65% STANCE PHASE 60%-65%
1. Heel Strike 0%-10% 1. 0%-10%
STAGES OF GAIT
TRADITIONAL CLASSIFICATION RLA CLASSIFICATION
STANCE PHASE
The stance phase begins at the instant that one extremity contacts the ground and continuous only as long as some portion
of the foot is in contact with the ground.
SWING PHASE
The swing phase begins as soon as the toe of one extremity leaves the ground and ceases just before heel strike or contact
of the same extremity.
1. Acceleration: 1. INITIAL SWING:
The portion of beginning swing from the moment the toe of the The period where the reference extremity leaves the
reference extremity leaves the ground to the point when the ground to maximum knee flexion of same extremity
reference extremity is directly under the body.
2. Midswing: 2. MID SWING:
Portion of the swing phase when the reference extremity From maximum knee flexion of reference extremity to a
passes directly below the body. Midswing extends from the end vertical tibial position.
of acceleration to the beginning of deceleration.
3. Deceleration: 3. TERMINAL SWING:
The swing portion of the swing phase when the reference From vertical position of tibial of reference extremity to just
extremity is decelerating in preparation for heel strike. prior to heel strike.
GAIT PARAMETERS:
Gait cycle parameter can be measured by two variables:
1. Distance or spetio variables or parameter.
2. Time or Temporal Variables or parameter.
S. No. Distance Parameters Time Parameters
1. Step Length Step duration
2. Stride Length Stance duration
3. Base Width Single limb Support time
4. Single limb support or Stance Double limb support time
5. Double limb support or Stance Cadence
6. Walking velocity
It should be equal for both legs. It may vary with age and sex.
Children < Female < Male
NOTES: Step Length tends to decrease with age, fatigue, pain and diseases. If step
length is normal for both legs, the rhythm of walking will be smooth.
b) Stride length: It is the linear distance from the point of heel strike of one lower
extremity to the next heel strike of the same extremity. Or It is the linear distance
in the plane of progression between successive point of foot to foot of the same
extremity.
Stride length is normally about 70cm to 82cm or 27.5 inches to 32.5 inches
and reality is one gait cycle.
NOTES: Stride Length tends to decrease with age, fatigue, pain and diseases.
c) Single Limb Stance: The single limb stance phase of gait cycle occurs when only
one leg is on the ground. This occurs twice during the normal gait cycle.
Single limb support or stance takes up approximately 30% of the total gait
cycle.
d) Double Limb Stance: The double limb stance is the phase of gait cycle occurs
when both leg are on the ground. This occurs twice during the normal gait cycle.
Double limb support or stance takes up approximately 25% of the total gait
cycle.
a) Base Width: Step width, or width of the walking base, may be found by
measuring the linear distance between the midpoint of the heel of one foot and
the same point on the other foot. Step width has been found to increase when
there is an increased demand for side-to-side stability, such as occurs in elderly
persons and in small children. In toddlers and young children, the center of gravity
is higher than in adults, and a wide base of support is necessary for stability. In
the normal population, the mean width of the base of support is about 3.5 inches
and varies within a range of 1 to 5 inches.
PATHOLOGICAL GAITS