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In our previous anatomy and physiology session we have discussed about Lung Anatomy, Function and Disease, Anatomy of Kidney, Functions of Kidney, Anatomy of Liver, Functions of Liver, Anatomy of brain. Please check out for the link below.

Functions of Kidney

Lung Anatomy, Function and Disease

Anatomy of Kidney

Anatomy of Liver

Functions of Liver

Anatomy of the Brain

Being a healthcare professional, it is very important to have knowledge about human body.

The understanding of human walking pattern is important for healthcare professionals. In today’s topic we are going to discuss about Gait Cycle.

Let's get into the topic.

GAIT CYCLE

The gait cycle is a style or manner of walking. The gait cycle involves repetitive pattern of steps and strides. The following are the important terminologies of gait cycle.

STEP

The step is a single step in walking pattern.

STRIDE

The stride is a whole gait cycle.

STEP TIME

The step time is a time gap between heel strike of one leg and heel strike of another leg.

STEP WIDTH

The step width is the space between the two feet while walking.

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WHAT ARE THE PHASES OF GAIT CYCLE?

The following are the phases of gait cycle.

1. Initial phase

2. Loading response

3. Mid stance

4. Terminal stance

5. Pre swing

6. Initial swing

7. Mid swing

8. Late swing

These Phase are categorized under two major phases as following. Let’s discuss in detail about each phase.

STANCE PHASE

The stance phase is a period of time the foot is on the ground. The 60% of gait cycle falls under stance phase. The Stance Phase covers initial phase, loading response, mid stance, terminal stance, pre swing.

INITIAL PHASE

The initial phase covers 3% of the gait cycle. This phase is also called as heel strike. In this phase, the foot heel hits the ground first.

LOADING RESPONSE

The loading response covers 3 – 12% gait cycle. In this phase, the rest of the leading foot hits the ground. The knee flexes slightly and absorbs the shock when the foot falls flat on the ground. In this stage, the foot which falls flat on ground becomes supporting foot. This phase is also called as support stage.

MID STANCE

The mid stance covers 12 – 31% of the gait cycle. In this phase, the elevation and forward movement of the opposite limb occurs.

TERMINAL STANCE

The terminal stance can cover during 31 – 50% of gait cycle. The terminal phase begins when the supporting limb’s heel rises of the ground and continues till the opposite heel touches the ground.

PRE SWING

The pre swing phase covers during 50 – 62% of gait cycle. This phase is the transition phase between stance and swing phase. This phase is from the initial contact of opposite limb to the opposite limb falling flat on the ground. Here the supporting foot is pushed and lifted of the ground.

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SWING PHASE

The swing phase is a period of time the foot is off the ground. The 40% of gait cycle falls under swing phase. The Swing Phase covers initial swing, mid swing, late swing.

INITIAL SWING

The initial swing covers during 62 – 75% of gait cycle. In initial phase, the advancement of the supporting limb begins with forward movement of the limb. The hip, knee and ankle are flexed to support the limb advancement and create the clearance of foot over ground.

MID SWING

The mid swing covers during 75 – 87% of gait cycle. In mid swing phase, the limb advancement continues and peak level advancement is reached by thigh.

TERMINAL SWING

The terminal swing is the final phase of gait cycle and covers from 87 – 100% of gait cycle. In terminal swing phase, the shank makes the final advancement and the supporting foot is positioned for initial foot contact to start the next gait cycle.

Now I hope you have acquired some knowledge about Gait Cycle. We will meet again with another valuable healthcare topic.

NOTE: Dear friends!!!... Please do comment a topic related to Biomedical, so that we can discuss it in future blogs.

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