gangcyklus

Gangcyklus, also called the gait cycle, is the sequence of movements that occur from the initial contact of one foot with the ground to the next initial contact of the same foot. It describes how a single limb progresses through stance and swing phases while the opposite limb repeats its own cycle, producing alternating steps.

The cycle is traditionally divided into two main phases: stance and swing. The stance phase, where the foot is in contact with the ground, lasts about 60% of the cycle and includes initial contact, loading response, mid-stance, terminal stance, and pre-swing. The swing phase, where the foot is lifted and moved forward, lasts about 40% of the cycle and comprises initial swing, mid-swing, and terminal swing. There is typically a period of double support at the beginning and end of stance, when both feet are in contact with the ground, and a period of single support during mid-stance when only one foot bears weight.

Kinematics and key events within the cycle describe how the hip, knee, and ankle move to advance the body. At contact, the leg bears weight with minimal knee flexion and a relatively neutral ankle. As the body progresses over the foot, the knee flexes during loading, the hip extents during stance, and the ankle plantarflexes to aid push-off during pre-swing and terminal stance. During swing, the knee and hip flex to clear the foot, followed by extension as the foot prepares to contact the ground again.

Gait analysis uses the gangcyklus to assess walking speed, step and stride length, cadence, and symmetry. Variations in cycle timing and joint kinematics can indicate mobility impairments, neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, or effects of aging, informing rehabilitation and treatment planning.