Stapbeweging

Stapbeweging refers to the fundamental act of locomotion in bipedal organisms, most commonly humans. It involves a coordinated sequence of muscle contractions and relaxations that propel the body forward. The process begins with a stance phase where one leg supports the body's weight, followed by a swing phase where the leg moves forward to prepare for the next step. This alternating pattern of stance and swing allows for continuous forward motion.

Key components of stapbeweging include the heel strike, foot flat, mid-stance, heel-off, and toe-off during the stance phase, and the initial swing, mid-swing, and terminal swing during the swing phase. The entire process is managed by the nervous system, which sends signals to various muscle groups in the legs, hips, and trunk. Balance is crucial and is maintained through sensory feedback from the eyes, inner ear (vestibular system), and proprioceptors in the muscles and joints. Variations in stapbeweging can occur due to factors such as speed, terrain, and individual biomechanics.