Swing Phase
The portion of the gait cycle during which the foot is off the ground and the limb advances forward, comprising approximately 40% of the total gait cycle.
Full Definition
The swing phase follows toe-off and ends at the subsequent initial contact, encompassing initial swing, mid-swing, and terminal swing. During this phase, the limb must clear the ground while advancing forward in preparation for the next stance phase. Orthotic considerations during the swing phase include the need for foot clearance (relevant in drop foot management), limb advancement, and energy efficiency. Ankle-foot orthoses with dorsiflexion assist features are specifically designed to address impaired foot clearance during the swing phase. Editors must distinguish the swing phase from the stance phase and should be aware that the two overlap in running (where a float phase replaces double-limb stance).
Usage
Usage note: Two words; do not hyphenate. The term 'float phase' is specific to running and should not be used interchangeably with 'swing phase' in walking gait documentation.
In Context
- "The carbon fibre posterior leaf spring provided sufficient dorsiflexion assistance to clear the foot throughout the swing phase." — AFO clinical outcome report
- "Foot drop during the swing phase resulted in a compensatory hip hike, which was eliminated following orthotic fitting." — Physiotherapy discharge summary