What percentage of gait is considered the stance phase?

The stance phase of gait is typically recognized as the time when the foot is in contact with the ground, providing support for the body during walking or running. In a normal gait cycle, the stance phase generally encompasses about 60% of the total time. This phase can be further broken down into different subsections such as initial contact, loading response, midstance, terminal stance, and pre-swing. The significance of the stance phase lies in its crucial role for balance, stability, and weight transfer during locomotion.

Understanding this distribution is essential for various applications in orthotics and prosthetics, particularly in the design of devices that accommodate the weight-bearing characteristics of the stance phase. By knowledge of the percentage of the stance phase, practitioners can better assess gait abnormalities and implement appropriate interventions or modifications to assist in patient rehabilitation and mobility enhancement.