Gait
The normal Human Gait involves the following stages:
Stance (Support) Phase:
Begins when the heel of the forward limb makes contact with the ground and ends when the toe of the same limb leaves the ground.
Heel Strike- Heel of forward/reference foot touches the ground.
Mid Stance - Foot is flat on the ground and the weight of the body is directly over the supporting limb.
Toe Off - Only the big toe of the forward / reference limb is in contact with the ground.
Swing (Unsupported) Phase:
Begins when the foot is no longer in contact with the ground. The limb is free to move.
Acceleration- The swinging limb catches up to and passes the Torso.
Deceleration- Forward movement of the limb is slowed down to position the foot for heel strike.
Double Support:
Both limbs are in contact with the ground simultaneously.
Gait Cycle:
The activity that occurs between heel strike of one limb (reference limb) and the subsequent heel strike of that same limb.
