Kinesiology

Lesson 16 of 16

Posture and gait

Posture is a dynamic strategy for organizing the body in gravity, not a single ideal shape. Gait coordinates stance, swing, balance, and forward progression through repeated cycles. Observations can guide questions and positioning but do not establish a diagnosis. Consider the person's comfort, task, environment, and natural variation before drawing conclusions.

Key points

• The gait cycle is commonly described from one foot contact to the next contact of that same foot.
• Stance phase supports body weight; swing phase advances the limb.
• Pelvic, hip, knee, ankle, and foot motion coordinate to absorb and generate forces.
• Postural control uses sensory information and muscular responses that adapt to changing demands.
• A single posture snapshot may reflect fatigue, task, habit, or temporary discomfort.
• Ask about function and goals rather than labeling a body as misaligned.

Key terms

Gait cycle

Sequence of events from one initial contact of a foot to its next initial contact.

Stance phase

Part of gait when the foot is in contact with the ground and supports the body.

Swing phase

Part of gait when the foot is off the ground and advances forward.

Center of mass

A conceptual point representing the distribution of a body's mass.

Postural control

Ongoing coordination that maintains or adjusts body orientation and balance.