During loading response, the internal muscle action at the ankle is primarily what?

During loading response, the internal muscle action at the ankle is primarily what?

• A. Eccentric dorsiflexors
• B. Concentric plantarflexors
• C. Eccentric hip flexors
• D. Isometric abductors

Answer: (A)

Loading response is the phase where the leg accepts weight and must dampen the landing. As the body moves forward over the stance foot, the ankle tends to dorsiflex. The dorsiflexor muscles (like tibialis anterior) fire eccentrically to lengthen under tension while they control that dorsiflexion, slowing the forward drop and helping absorb shock. This eccentric action is the main ankle muscle activity in this moment. Concentric plantarflexors would push the ankle into more plantarflexion, which would oppose shock absorption, and the hip muscles aren’t the primary drivers of ankle action during this phase.

Loading response is the phase where the leg accepts weight and must dampen the landing. As the body moves forward over the stance foot, the ankle tends to dorsiflex. The dorsiflexor muscles (like tibialis anterior) fire eccentrically to lengthen under tension while they control that dorsiflexion, slowing the forward drop and helping absorb shock. This eccentric action is the main ankle muscle activity in this moment. Concentric plantarflexors would push the ankle into more plantarflexion, which would oppose shock absorption, and the hip muscles aren’t the primary drivers of ankle action during this phase.