During loading response, vertical ground reaction force is slightly greater than body weight.

During loading response, vertical ground reaction force is slightly greater than body weight.

• A. It is greater
• B. It equals body weight
• C. It is less
• D. There is no consistent pattern

Answer: (A)

During loading response, the body must absorb impact and control deceleration as the stance leg accepts weight. To do this, the ground must push up with more than the body's weight, providing the extra upward force needed to slow the forward progression and to eccentrically control the leg joints. This energy absorption and deceleration cause the vertical ground reaction force to exceed body weight, typically peaking slightly above it before settling back toward body weight as the limb continues through stance. That’s why the correct conclusion is that the vertical ground reaction force is greater than body weight.

During loading response, the body must absorb impact and control deceleration as the stance leg accepts weight. To do this, the ground must push up with more than the body's weight, providing the extra upward force needed to slow the forward progression and to eccentrically control the leg joints. This energy absorption and deceleration cause the vertical ground reaction force to exceed body weight, typically peaking slightly above it before settling back toward body weight as the limb continues through stance. That’s why the correct conclusion is that the vertical ground reaction force is greater than body weight.