Stance Phase: The time from initial contact until the toes leave the floor at pre-swing.  Note that initial contact is made with the heel followed by instantaneous plantar flexion which lowers the rest of the foot to achieve foot flat position.  As the opposite leg advances over the stationary foot, ankle dorsiflexion results.  When the ankle reaches maximum dorsiflexion the heel begins to rise until the toes are rolling off the floor.

Note that the weight loading period corresponds with the weight unloading period of the trailing leg.  While one foot accepts the body weight, the other foot is rolling off the floor.

Notice how the body is lowered onto the flexing foreleg during weight transference and how it rises in an arc over the supporting leg during single leg stance. 

Swing Phase:  The time from when the big toe leaves the floor until the heel makes floor contact.  Swing phase corresponds with the period of single leg stance on the contralateral leg.  Note that while the stance leg extends as the body advances over it, the swinging leg flexes at hip and knee in order to ensure floor clearance.  The knee reaches its maximum extension just before initial contact, at which time the knee flexes slightly to allow for shock absorption. 

Arm Movements: Notice how the arm swing coincides with the contralateral leg in order to maintain balance. 

Last Updated: May 15, 1999.
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