Define Gait. What are the Phases of Gait?

Define Gait. What are the Phases of Gait?

Human gait refers to locomotion achieved through the movement of human limbs.Human gait is
defined as bipedal, biphasic forward propulsion of center of gravity of the human body, in which there are alternate sinuous movements of different segments of the body with least
expenditure of energy. Different gait patterns are characterized by differences in limb-
movement patterns, overall velocity, forces, kinetic and potential energy cycles, and changes in
the contact with the surface (ground, floor, etc.). Human gaits are the various ways in which a
human can move, either naturally or as a result of specialized training.

A (bipedal) gait cycle is the time period or sequence of events or movements during locomotion
in which one foot contacts the ground to when that same foot again contacts the ground, and
involves propulsion of the centre of gravity in the direction of motion. A single gait cycle is also
known as a stride. Each gait cycle or stride has two phases: Stance Phase, the phase during
which the foot remains in contact with the ground, and the Swing Phase, the phase during which
the foot is not in contact with the ground