Walking involves a complex interplay of muscles, balance, and coordination. The provided reference sheds light on the muscle actions that contribute to maintaining balance during walking. Let's explore how legs walk.
Walking can be broken down into different phases. The video excerpt focuses on the stance phase, specifically addressing muscle activity during this phase.
Here's a simplified explanation:
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Pelvic Stability: During the stance phase (when one leg is on the ground), certain muscles contract to keep the pelvis level. These include:
- Gluteus Minimus
- Gluteus Medius
- Tensor Fasciae Latae
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Toe-Off: The stance phase culminates in the toe-off stage. During this stage, the leg prepares to leave the ground, propelling the body forward.
While the excerpt only describes part of the stance phase, we can summarize the basics of walking in the following table:
| Phase | Description | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Stance Phase | The period when the foot is in contact with the ground. | Muscles contract to maintain balance (e.g., gluteus minimus, gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae). Leg prepares to leave the ground. |
| Swing Phase | The period when the foot is off the ground, moving forward. | Hip flexion, knee flexion, ankle dorsiflexion to clear the ground. Controlled deceleration to prepare for heel strike. |
In summary, legs walk through a coordinated sequence of muscle contractions and relaxations, involving maintaining balance via pelvic stabilization and propelling the body forward.
