The gait cycle begins when one foot contacts the ground and ends when that foot contacts the ground again. Thus, each cycle begins at initial contact with a stance phase and proceeds through a swing phase until the cycle ends with the limb's next initial contact.

The Windlass Mechanism is the coordinated action of the layers of muscle, tendon, ligament and bony architecture, to maintain arch height and foot rigidity . Without correct windlass function, the foot will not act as an efficient lever, and effective push off power cannot be achieved at the end of the stance phase.

To learn more, View Windlass Mechanism