Transcript Gait Introduction

PHT.5127C - Gait Introduction

• Overview of the gait cycle:

  • Focus on three main areas:

    • Phases of gait

    • Ranges of motion

    • Muscle activations

Phases of Gait

• Understanding timing in gait:

  • Use of percentage to describe the extent of a gait cycle

• Two major parts of the gait cycle:

  • Stance Phase: Reference extremity (typically the right leg) in contact with the ground.

  • Swing Phase: The leg is not in contact with the ground.

• Competing systems for naming phases of gait:

  • Traditional System: Dates back to the 1950s and 60s; phases defined as points in time.

  • Rancho Los Amigos System: Established in the 1990s; phases defined in terms of duration of time.

• Importance in research settings:

  • Rancho Los Amigos terminology preferred because it emphasizes duration.

• Illustration from Moore textbook:

  • Comparison of both systems in one graphic.

  • Traditional terminology tends to indicate points in time, while Rancho Los Amigos indicates durations.

Comparison of Terminologies

• Traditional System (Right):

  • Defined largely by key events (e.g., heel strike).

• Rancho Los Amigos System (Left):

  • Corresponds to durations significant in understanding gait dynamics.

Ranges of Motion and Muscle Activations

• Future discussions will include:

  • Joint-by-joint and region-by-region analysis of ranges of motion and muscle activations during gait.

• Sagittal plane kinematics for various joints:

  • Overview of movements in the pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle.

  • Graphic illustration matches video demonstrations.

• Summary slide on lower extremity kinetics during gait:

  • Top Column: Kinematics of gait.

  • Second Column: Internal moments or internal torque generated by muscle contractions.

  • Ignore Third Line: Related to energy absorption/generation.

  • Final Two Images: Show major muscle groups’ activation relative to maximum activation during gait.

• Importance of textbook information:

  • Significant for class discussions and understanding muscle dynamics during gait.