Stance phase

Definition

The stance phase is a crucial part of the gait cycle where one foot is in contact with the ground, supporting the body’s weight. This phase provides stability and balance while allowing for propulsion during walking or running. Understanding the stance phase helps in analyzing human movement mechanics and is key to developing effective rehabilitation strategies for mobility issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The stance phase typically accounts for about 60% of the total gait cycle during walking.
2. It can be divided into several sub-phases: initial contact, loading response, mid-stance, terminal stance, and pre-swing.
3. During the stance phase, the body experiences various forces, including vertical and horizontal components that are essential for maintaining stability.
4. Key muscle groups involved during the stance phase include the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, which work together to control movement.
5. Pathological changes in the stance phase can indicate underlying issues such as joint dysfunction or muscle weakness, making its analysis important in clinical settings.

Review Questions

• How does the stance phase contribute to overall balance during walking?
  • The stance phase contributes significantly to balance by providing a stable base for weight-bearing. As one foot remains in contact with the ground, it helps distribute body weight evenly while allowing the other foot to swing forward. This continuous alternation of weight transfer maintains equilibrium and prevents falls, especially in dynamic movements.
• What role do ground reaction forces play during the stance phase of gait?
  • Ground reaction forces are critical during the stance phase as they provide feedback for balance and movement control. When a foot strikes the ground, it generates a force that travels up through the kinetic chain, influencing posture and stability. These forces help determine how efficiently a person walks or runs and can highlight areas needing intervention when assessing gait abnormalities.
• Evaluate how different walking speeds can affect the characteristics of the stance phase.
  • Walking speed can significantly impact the characteristics of the stance phase by altering its duration and mechanics. At higher speeds, there tends to be a reduction in stance time as individuals transition more quickly between phases, which can lead to greater forces being exerted on joints. Changes in muscle activation patterns also occur to support rapid movements, affecting overall stability and energy expenditure. Understanding these variations is essential for designing tailored rehabilitation programs for individuals with gait impairments.

Related terms

gait cycle:

The gait cycle refers to the sequence of movements that occur from the initial contact of one foot to the next time that same foot touches the ground, encompassing both stance and swing phases.

swing phase:

The swing phase is the portion of the gait cycle where the foot is not in contact with the ground, allowing it to move forward in preparation for the next step.

ground reaction force: Ground reaction force is the force exerted by the ground on a body in contact with it, playing a significant role during the stance phase as it influences balance and movement efficiency.