What does the gait cycle refer to?

The gait cycle refers specifically to the components and phases of the walking process. It encompasses all the movements that occur from one heel strike of a foot to the next heel strike of the same foot. This includes both the stance phase, where the foot is on the ground, and the swing phase, where the foot is in the air and moving forward. Understanding the gait cycle is essential for analyzing walking mechanics and can help in diagnosing and treating various musculoskeletal conditions.

The other options, while related to aspects of walking, do not define the gait cycle accurately. The process of stepping over an object is more about walking techniques or obstacles rather than the continuous cycle of movement. The speed of walking is a measure that could result from the gait cycle but does not describe its components, and the length of strides pertains more to the individual aspects of walking rather than encapsulating the entire cycle. Thus, the focus on the phases and components clearly defines the essence of the gait cycle.