60% stance phase – 40% swing may not always be “normal”?

stance phase of the gait cycle

Stance phase

Approx 60% of the gait cycle

swing phase of the gait cycle

Swing phase

Approx 40% of the gait cycle

Understanding temporal parameters is crucial for analyzing gait patterns and identifying any deviations.

However, does this always reflect an ideal gait cycle? Let’s find out.

 

Which leg do you identify as “normal” based on this image?

spatio-temporal parameters

*Analysis done through GaitON gait analysis system

  • On paper, it would seem like the left side appears “normal” while the right side suggests a pathology. 
  • However, out of 60% stance phase, single limb weight bearing is only 23% (instead of 40%!)
60% stance phase

*Analysis done through GaitON gait analysis system

In this individual, the left side is the prosthetic limb, and the right side is the able limb, causing this discrepancy!

prosthetic limb

Food for thought! Stance - Swing phase ratios

Gait assessments should not end at calculating the stance-swing phase%, as it’s important to understand single – double limb weight bearing ratio as well.

What are your thoughts on this gait? Share your insights below.

Setting up your own gait analysis lab is now easier than ever. To learn more about GaitON’s gait analysis modules, contact us today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

GAYATRI SURESH (PT)

Gayatri Suresh (PT) is a Biomechanist who has completed her B.P.Th from DES College of Physiotherapy and M.P.T (Biomechanics) from SRM College of Physiotherapy, SRMIST. Her field of clinical expertise is in movement assessments through video analysis. Apart from her work at Auptimo, she works as a Clinical Specialist at Rehabilitation Research and Device Development, IIT Madras. She has been conferred with gold medals for her Research presentations and for securing First rank with distinction in her MPT degree respectively

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