Which phase of gait represents approximately 60% of the gait cycle?

The stance phase of gait represents approximately 60% of the entire gait cycle. It is the portion of the walking cycle in which the foot is in contact with the ground, supporting the body's weight. The stance phase can be further broken down into several sub-phases, including initial contact, loading response, mid-stance, terminal stance, and pre-swing. The majority of the time spent in the gait cycle occurs during this phase, highlighting its critical role in maintaining balance, stability, and weight transfer during walking.

Understanding this percentage is crucial for those involved in orthotics and prosthetics, as it informs the design and functionality of devices that need to accommodate the mechanics of this phase, ensuring that they provide adequate support and facilitate natural movement patterns during gait.