The mechanical analysis can be studied properly in the following phase: 1. Stance phase: The stance phase is that phase in which the foot is in contact with the ground. This phase is considered as the more significant of the two phases because during this phase the foot and leg bear the body weight.
This phase can be divided into four stages which are described below:
(i) Initial contact stage: This stage begins at the movement when both feet are off the ground (sometimes referred to as float phase). Suppose the left leg remains in the front and about to touch the ground. The moment, when the left foot touches the ground (whether touches heel, mid foot or farefoot) is called as initial contact stage.
(ii) Braking or absorption stage: when the left foot makes the initial contact to the ground in your front, your body starts performing a controlled landing. The left knee and ankle flex and the left foot rolls to absorb forces. It is called braking or absorption stage.
(iii) Mid stance stage: The braking or absorption stage continues until the left lag is directly under the hip taking maximum load as the body weight passes own it. The ankle and knee are at maximum flexion angle. The entire foot is usually in contact with the ground. The next leg remains in swinging position. It is called mid stance stage.
(iv) Propulsive stage: Propulsive stage occurs when the supporting leg or left foot leaves the ground and propel your body in forward direction. Propulsion is achieved by your left ankle, knee and hip all extending to push the body up and forward using the elastic energy stored during the absorption phase.
2. Swing phase: Swing phase is initiated with toe off of left foot and ends with initial contact stage with right foot. The swing phase is longer in running in comparison to stance phase.
