During the gait cycle, the body does what with each step?

During the gait cycle, the body does what with each step?

• A. Maintains perfectly constant speed
• B. Slows down and speeds up
• C. Stops completely
• D. Moves only vertically

Answer: (B)

Walking involves alternating braking and propulsion, so forward speed changes with each step rather than staying the same. When the foot makes contact and the leg absorbs impact, forward momentum is briefly decelerated. As the stance leg pushes off and propels the body, forward speed increases. Then as the other leg swings forward, there can be another small deceleration, but the overall pattern is continuous forward progression. The body does move vertically as the center of mass rises and falls, but the horizontal speed is not constant and is not zero at any step.

Walking involves alternating braking and propulsion, so forward speed changes with each step rather than staying the same. When the foot makes contact and the leg absorbs impact, forward momentum is briefly decelerated. As the stance leg pushes off and propels the body, forward speed increases. Then as the other leg swings forward, there can be another small deceleration, but the overall pattern is continuous forward progression. The body does move vertically as the center of mass rises and falls, but the horizontal speed is not constant and is not zero at any step.