During the stance phase of gait, what percentage of the cycle does it generally comprise?

During the stance phase of gait, it generally comprises about 60% of the entire gait cycle. The gait cycle is divided into two primary phases: the stance phase and the swing phase. The stance phase occurs when the foot is in contact with the ground, supporting the weight of the body. This phase begins with initial contact (when the heel first strikes the ground) and ends with toe-off (when the toes leave the ground to initiate the swing phase).

Understanding the breakdown of the stance phase is critical in both orthotic and prosthetic design, as this phase is crucial for stability, weight-bearing, and propulsion. The percentage can vary slightly among individuals and activities, but the standard model of gait analysis heavily references the 60% figure for the stance phase. This understanding contributes to effective rehabilitation and gait training, ensuring that practitioners focus on enhancing these phases to improve mobility and efficiency for patients.