During loading response, the knee flexes to approximately what range?

During loading response, the knee flexes to approximately what range?

• A. 15-18° flexion
• B. 0-5° flexion
• C. 60° flexion
• D. 30° flexion

Answer: (A)

During loading response, the body accepts weight onto the stance leg, and the knee flexes to dampen impact. This shock-absorbing action is achieved with about 15–18 degrees of knee flexion, allowing the limb to absorb energy gradually rather than jarring the joint. This amount of flexion is produced by the knee’s eccentric control through the quadriceps as the knee flexes and the knee extensors regulate the motion to maintain stability. It also helps position the limb for smooth progress into the next phase of stance. If the knee stayed nearly straight (0–5°), shock absorption would be minimal and joint loading would be higher. If the knee flexed far more (around 60°), gait would be inefficient and unstable. Thirty degrees is more than typical for this early stance phase, making it less representative of loading response.

During loading response, the body accepts weight onto the stance leg, and the knee flexes to dampen impact. This shock-absorbing action is achieved with about 15–18 degrees of knee flexion, allowing the limb to absorb energy gradually rather than jarring the joint.

This amount of flexion is produced by the knee’s eccentric control through the quadriceps as the knee flexes and the knee extensors regulate the motion to maintain stability. It also helps position the limb for smooth progress into the next phase of stance.

If the knee stayed nearly straight (0–5°), shock absorption would be minimal and joint loading would be higher. If the knee flexed far more (around 60°), gait would be inefficient and unstable. Thirty degrees is more than typical for this early stance phase, making it less representative of loading response.