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cardinal body planes

sagittal plane
transverse plane
frontal plane

gait cycle
stance phase
swing phase
windlass mechanics

gender differences
injury issues
swing phase

glossary

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Phases of the Gait Cycle: The gait cycle may be further divided into specific sub phases related to normal function: loading response, mid stance, terminal stance, pre-swing, initial swing, mid swing and terminal swing. This terminology is very useful for referring to specific portions of the gait cycle when describing pathological gait. The percentages given apply to normal gait. To learn more, View The Gait Cycle

Plantar Fascia: The plantar fascia is perhaps more correctly called the plantar aponeurosis, and it lies on the surface of the muscles of the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia has a thick and strong central part, which covers the central muscle of the 1 st layer, flexor digitorum brevis, and is immediately deep to the superficial fascia of the plantar surface. It is attached proximally to the heel bone (calcaneus) at the anterior calcaneal tubercle, the site of the muscle attachments, while distally it blends with the skin at the creases of the base of the toes, and also sends five slips, one to each toe. Each of these split into two, which pass deeply, one on each side of the flexor tendons of that toe, and finally fuse with the deep transverse metatarsal ligaments. The plantar fascia acts as a mechanical truss or a platform that passively stabilises the foot, maintaining the integrity of the medial longitudinal arch.

Plantar Flexion: Movement of the foot away from the shin bone in the sagittal plane. To learn more, View The Sagittal Plane

Pre-Swing: The final double support stance period which is defined from the time of initial contact with the opposite limb to toe-off. To learn more, View The Swing Phase

Pronation: Internal rotation along the long axis of the foot (between the second and third metatarsal). A complex combination of abduction, eversion and dorsiflexion. It is acceptable to view pronation in weightbearing as a simple “rolling in” of the foot, at either the rearfoot or midfoot.

Propulsion or Terminal stance: The second half of the single support from 30 to 50% of the gait cycle and is defined as the time from heel rise until the other limb makes contact with the floor. Propulsion concludes the instant the foot leaves the ground. During this phase body weight moves ahead of the forefoot. The propulsion period lasts about 25% of the stance phase.. To learn more, View The Propulsion Phase

Push Off: The period in time in late stance (between 40% of stride and toe-off) when there is ankle plantarflexion and simultaneous power of calf muscles to half advance the limb into swing phase.