Between heel off and toe off, inversion/supination of the foot provides what?

Between heel off and toe off, inversion/supination of the foot provides what?

• A. A flexible adaptor only
• B. A rigid lever
• C. Complete collapse of the arch
• D. No push-off benefit

Answer: (B)

During the late stance phase, the foot needs to act like a solid lever to propel the body forward. Inversion, or supination, locks the midfoot joints and tightens the plantar fascia, which raises and stiffens the medial arch. This creates a rigid lever that allows the ankle to plantarflex efficiently, giving a strong push-off. So inversion/supination provides a rigid lever for propulsion. It’s not simply a flexible adaptor used for shock absorption earlier in gait, and arch collapse isn’t part of a normal push-off; plus there is a clear push-off benefit when the foot becomes rigid.

During the late stance phase, the foot needs to act like a solid lever to propel the body forward. Inversion, or supination, locks the midfoot joints and tightens the plantar fascia, which raises and stiffens the medial arch. This creates a rigid lever that allows the ankle to plantarflex efficiently, giving a strong push-off. So inversion/supination provides a rigid lever for propulsion. It’s not simply a flexible adaptor used for shock absorption earlier in gait, and arch collapse isn’t part of a normal push-off; plus there is a clear push-off benefit when the foot becomes rigid.