The gait cycle

Stance 60%, swing 40%, and the three rockers of the ankle — a lab walkthrough. · 6 min read

Phases you can see

Heel strike, loading response, mid-stance, terminal stance, pre-swing; then initial, mid, and terminal swing. Students should be able to pause the Capture Lab on each and name the ankle rocker: heel, ankle, forefoot.

Preferred walking speed for young adults is roughly 1.2–1.4 m/s. The kinematic engine uses 1.35 m/s. Knee flexion in swing should approach 60°. A stiff knee in swing is a flag — vaulting and hip hike are compensations best seen in the frontal plane.