EMG Of Muscle In gait

Question 1

What is the Gait Cycle and what are the two main phases each leg can be in at any given time?

Answer 1

GC - consists of activity which occurs between heel strike of one extremity and subsequent heel strike the same side, during one gait cycle each extremity passes through one stance phase and one swing phase.

Stance Phase - begins when heel of the leading extremity touches the floor and ends when toe of the same foot leaves the ground

Swing Phase - begins with toe off and heel strike

Question 2

What are the Basic Phases in the Gait Cycle

Answer 2

1. Heel Strike - the instant the heel of the leading foot touches the ground
2. Foot Flat - instant shortly after heel strike when sole of foot touches ground
3. Mid Stance - the instant when both heels are in opposition and body weight is directly over the supporting extremity
4. Heel off - the instant the heel of the supporting extremity leaves the ground
5. Toe off - the instant when the toe looses contact with the ground