During initial contact, the ankle is typically positioned in what range?

During initial contact, the ankle is typically positioned in what range?

• A. 15-20° plantarflexion
• B. 0-5° dorsiflexion
• C. 10° dorsiflexion
• D. 5-10° plantarflexion

Answer: (B)

In gait, initial contact is the moment the heel strikes the ground, so the ankle sits near neutral with only a small amount of dorsiflexion. This slight dorsiflexion (about 0 to 5 degrees) lets the dorsiflexors control the foot as weight is accepted and sets up a smooth transition into loading response. A more plantarflexed position would imply forefoot contact or a different phase, while a larger dorsiflexion is atypical for heel strike. So the best range is 0–5 degrees of dorsiflexion.

In gait, initial contact is the moment the heel strikes the ground, so the ankle sits near neutral with only a small amount of dorsiflexion. This slight dorsiflexion (about 0 to 5 degrees) lets the dorsiflexors control the foot as weight is accepted and sets up a smooth transition into loading response. A more plantarflexed position would imply forefoot contact or a different phase, while a larger dorsiflexion is atypical for heel strike. So the best range is 0–5 degrees of dorsiflexion.