KIN 480 - Lecture 11: Locomotion and Gait

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to locomotion and gait.

Locomotion

The act or power of moving from place to place by means of one’s own mechanisms or power.

Stance Phase

The phase of gait from heel strike of one leg to when that same leg leaves the ground.

Swing Phase

Occurs when the foot leaves the ground and the leg moves forward to another point of contact.

Weight Acceptance

The initial part of the stance phase, where the foot lowers and accepts weight, typically representing 0-15% of the stride.

Mid-Stance

The phase of the gait cycle from foot flat to heel-off, occurring during 15-40% of the stride.

Push-off

The phase of gait from when the weight is transferred from the heel to the toes, covering 40-60% of the stride.

Eccentric Control

Muscle action that involves lengthening under tension, as seen in the hamstrings controlling knee flexion.

Dorsiflexion

The movement of raising the foot upwards towards the shin, often essential for clearing the ground during swing.

Hip Extensors

Muscles, primarily the gluteus maximus, responsible for hip extension during weight acceptance.

Dynamic Stability

The ability to maintain balance and posture during movement, particularly in walking.

Stride Length

The distance covered in one stride, which can affect walking speed.

Ground Reaction Force (GRF)

The force exerted by the ground as a reaction to the weight of the body and movement, crucial during walking.

Center of Mass (COM)

The point in a body or system around which its mass is evenly distributed, affected by gait efficiency.

Muscle Contraction

The process where muscles generate force; includes eccentric, concentric, and isometric contractions.

Base of Support

The area beneath a person that includes every point of contact with the ground, crucial for stability.

Pendular Motion

A natural swinging motion of limbs during walking that contributes to gait efficiency.

Reflex Action

An automatic response to a stimulus that helps maintain balance and control during gait.