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

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

• A. 0-5° flexion
• B. 15-18° flexion
• C. 35-40° flexion
• D. 60° flexion

Answer: (A)

At initial contact the leg is nearly straight, with the knee typically within 0 to 5 degrees of flexion. This near-extension helps minimize impact as the foot first contacts the ground and prepares the limb for weight transfer into the stance phase. A small amount of knee flexion can occur to modulate shock, but deeper flexion values (such as those around 15–18°, 35–40°, or 60°) are characteristic of later parts of the stance phase or other tasks, not initial contact.

At initial contact the leg is nearly straight, with the knee typically within 0 to 5 degrees of flexion. This near-extension helps minimize impact as the foot first contacts the ground and prepares the limb for weight transfer into the stance phase. A small amount of knee flexion can occur to modulate shock, but deeper flexion values (such as those around 15–18°, 35–40°, or 60°) are characteristic of later parts of the stance phase or other tasks, not initial contact.