Gait Analysis Handout - painfreefeet.ca

Energy Transfer
The vertical displacement of the pelvis during
stance allows for the exchange between kinetic
energy and potential energy. This is illustrated in
the diagram to the right. The diagram below
illustrates when the exchange between potential
and kinetic energy occurs in relation to the
vertical ground reaction force graph
Force N/KG
12.00
10.00
8.00
6.00
4.00
2.00
0.00
-2.00
Vertical Ground
Reaction Force
0
6
12
18
24
30
36
42
48
54
60
66
72
78
84
90
96
Stride %
Pull of swing limb and momentum
The momentum of the
swing limb helps with the
progression of the stance
leg and aids in the vertical
displacement of the pelvis.
Diagrams from Perry, J., “Normal
and Pathological Gait, Disorders of
the Foot Churchill and Livingstone,
1985
Highest point of
centre of body mass
High Potential Energy
Lowest point of
centre body mass
High kinetic energy
The diagram to the left depicts
the muscle activity during loading
response to terminal stance. The
hip extensors store potential
energy during late swing phase
and release kinetic energy during
a very powerful concentric during
the loading response phase.
Diagram from Perry, J., “Normal and Pathological Gait, Disorders of the
Foot Churchill and Livingstone, 1985.
C of Mass
Forward Progression
Forward progression of the stance
leg is accomplished by the lever
effect of the stance leg. The
progression of the stance leg can
be stopped by any problem with
either the heel, or ankle, or forefoot
rockers.
Lever Effect of Stance Leg