Gait cycle

FIGURE 45.5 C-leg. The C-leg is a transfemoral prosthesis that incorporates intelligent knee mechanism allowing controlled swing and stance phases of the gait cycle. 

With respect to therapy for locomotion, therapists typically grasp the patient s leg with both hands. A common technique is to grasp the lower shank with one hand below the knee and with the other hand above the ankle. The therapist may alter contact force during specific phases of the gait cycle in order to stimulate (or avoid stimulation) of tendons and cutaneous reflexes. A gentle touch is essential to avoid skin damage, since decreased skin health and sensation are common after spinal cord injury. 

A concise description of the active properties of muscle tissue, with direct application to the development of forces within the human gait cycle. 

The forces acting across the knee vary only slightly during the gait cycle but will dramatically increase with running and jumping. 

The examiner focuses on asymmetric movement while viewing the patient from the front, side, or back. Asymmetric movements are characterized by reduced or excessive displacements or by a change in the speed of movement during parts of the gait cycle. Asynchronous movement in the sagittal plane is best observed from the side, and coronal plane dysfunction is best observed from the front or back. 

Vertical displacement of the center of gravity occurs twice during the cycle from heel strike to heel strike of the same foot The total amount of vertical displacement is approximately 1.8 inches. The summits occur at 25% and 75% of the cycle. At the midpoint of the gait cycle (double weight-bearing), the center of gravity is at its lowest point... 

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