Understanding Human Gait: Biomechanics and Mood Influences

The correct answer, walking, refers to the act of moving by foot from one location to another. Driving involves using a vehicle, swimming involves moving through water, and crawling involves moving on all fours.

The correct term for the process or components of walking is 'Gait'. Gait refers to the pattern of movements made by the limbs during walking.

Gait can change with mood due to the impact of emotions on posture and movement patterns.

Having a lighter and bouncing a little are both associated with positive emotions, which commonly align with being happy. It is often said that actions like bouncing indicate a light-hearted and joyful mood.

A heavy gait is typically associated with sadness as it may indicate a sense of burden, tiredness, or lethargy.

The gait cycle, sometimes referred to as a stride, is the sequence of movements that the body goes through while walking or running.

A stride in terms of movement refers to the specific action involved in walking or running, denoting the process from one foot making contact with the ground to the same foot making contact again. It is not related to distance, dance, or liquid measurements.

Stride length is the distance covered from the point where one foot strikes the ground to the point where the same foot strikes the ground again. It is a measure of how far an individual travels during each step of the gait cycle.

A stride length is specifically measured from right heel strike to right heel strike, not any other body parts or measurements.

A step is commonly defined as one half of a stride, making it the correct answer for this question.

In this case, the question is asking for another term that describes the equivalent of 2 steps. While 'Two leaps', 'Half a pace', and 'Three jumps' may be related to movement, the correct answer is 'ONE stride', which is the most accurate description of the distance covered by 2 steps.

Step length is specifically the distance between the heel strike of one foot and the heel strike of the other foot, not the other provided options.

Cadence refers to the number of steps taken per minute and is commonly used to measure walking or running speed.

The correct answer of 70 steps/min is based on the assumption that a slow walker takes a moderate pace while walking. The incorrect answers provide variations that are either too slow or too fast for a slow walker.

The correct answer of 130 steps/min is considered fast walking based on average walking speeds. Walking at 100, 115, or 145 steps/min would not be considered as fast as walking at a pace of 130 steps/min.

The gait cycle component remains consistent regardless of the speed cycle as it is a fundamental aspect of human locomotion.

Gait terminology typically involves categorizing terms into two main sets.

The original or traditional gait terminology refers to points of time, specifically in relation to the timing of various physical movements or actions.

The Rancho Los Amigos gait terminology is a standardized system used to describe different stages of recovery in neurological and orthopedic patients. It focuses on patterns of movement and functional abilities rather than just the speed or duration of walking.

In the gait cycle, the stance phase typically makes up about 60% of the entire cycle. This phase involves the foot being in contact with the ground and supporting the body's weight.

The swing phase of the gait cycle typically accounts for approximately 40% of the entire cycle, involving the leg moving forward in the air.

The stance phase of the gait cycle consists of the components of heel strike, foot flat, midstance, heel-off, and toe-off. Toe strike, arch collapse, and hip swing are not part of the stance phase in the gait cycle.

The swing phase in the gait cycle includes acceleration, midswing, and deceleration, while initial contact, terminal swing, and foot-off are part of the stance phase.

The stance phase is the phase of the gait cycle when the foot is in contact with the ground, providing support and propulsion for the body.

The stance phase of walking begins with the heel strike of one foot making contact with the ground and ends when that same foot leaves the ground. The other options do not accurately describe how the stance phase is initiated and concluded.

During the stance phase (heel strike) of walking or running, specific muscles are responsible for stabilizing the body and allowing for proper joint movement. The correct answer includes key muscles such as ankle dorsiflexors, quadriceps, hip flexors, hip extensors, and erector spinae. The incorrect answers provided do not play a significant role in the stance phase, making them incorrect choices.

In the stance phase of walking or running gait, 'Foot Flat' refers to the moment when the entire foot is in contact with the ground, providing stability and support for the body's weight distribution.

Foot flat occurs after heel strike as the foot begins to transition from initial contact to the stance phase of the gait cycle.

During the foot flat of stance phase, the body position should include ankle slightly plantarflexed, knee flexed, and hip in extension to maintain stability and prepare for push-off. Shift in weight onto the stance limb helps to support and propel the body forward.