stegcykler

Stårcykler, or step cycles, refer to the repeating sequence of leg movements that occurs during human locomotion. In gait analysis, a step cycle describes the motion of one leg from initial contact (heel strike) to the next initial contact of the same leg; a gait cycle includes two steps, one for each leg. The terms step and stride are related: a step is the interval between successive heel strikes of opposite feet, while a stride is the interval between successive heel strikes of the same foot.

During a step cycle, the leg passes through a stance phase, when the foot is in contact with the ground, and a swing phase, when the foot moves through the air. The stance phase typically accounts for about 60% of the cycle, while the swing phase makes up about 40%. The stance phase includes heel strike, foot flat, midstance, and push-off; the swing phase includes early, mid, and late swing as the leg advances forward. These phases can vary with speed, surface, and individual factors such as age or pathology.

Measurements used in gait analysis include step length, stride length, cadence (steps per minute), and walking velocity. At a comfortable walking speed, adults often exhibit a cadence around 110–130 steps per minute and a stride length roughly 1.1–1.5 meters. Techniques for assessment range from motion capture and force plates to wearable sensors and pressure insoles.

Applications of stegcykler analysis include evaluating mobility, diagnosing gait abnormalities, guiding rehabilitation after injury or surgery, and informing the design of prosthetics, orthotics, and robotic assistive devices. Distinctions between walking and running mainly involve changes in phase durations and peak forces.