Double support is the period in the walking gait cycle when both feet are in contact with the ground. It occurs twice during a typical walking stride: shortly after initial contact and again before the opposite foot leaves the ground.
As walking speed increases, the proportion of the gait cycle spent in double support generally decreases. During running, double support is replaced by a flight phase in which neither foot is on the ground.
Why Double Support Is Observed
- It helps describe gait timing and speed
- Differences between sides may reveal an asymmetric movement strategy
- A longer double-support period may accompany a more cautious walking pattern
- Changes over time can help document progress
Frame-by-frame video can identify the contact and toe-off events that define double support. Clear views of both feet and a suitable frame rate improve the reliability of timing observations.