During late stance, which event marks the transition from stance to swing?

During late stance, which event marks the transition from stance to swing?

• A. Next initial contact
• B. Opposite toe off
• C. Heel rise
• D. Toe off

Answer: (D)

In the gait cycle, the switch from stance to swing happens at toe-off—the moment the toes lift off the ground. During late stance the body is propelling forward and the heel may rise as propulsion prepares, but the actual transition to swing is registered when the toes leave contact. This starts the swing phase, during which the limb moves forward through the air toward the next initial contact. The other events described occur at different points: opposite toe-off is about the other foot's timing, initial contact marks the start of the stance on this or the next step, and heel rise is a precursor signal within late stance, not the exact switch.

In the gait cycle, the switch from stance to swing happens at toe-off—the moment the toes lift off the ground. During late stance the body is propelling forward and the heel may rise as propulsion prepares, but the actual transition to swing is registered when the toes leave contact. This starts the swing phase, during which the limb moves forward through the air toward the next initial contact. The other events described occur at different points: opposite toe-off is about the other foot's timing, initial contact marks the start of the stance on this or the next step, and heel rise is a precursor signal within late stance, not the exact switch.