During loading response, which combination of knee and ankle movements is typical?

During loading response, which combination of knee and ankle movements is typical?

• A. Knee extension to neutral
• B. Ankle dorsiflexion to 10°
• C. Controlled knee flexion and ankle plantarflexion
• D. Hip flexion to 20°

Answer: (C)

During loading response the limb must accept weight smoothly and absorb impact. The knee does not stay straight; it flexes in a controlled way to dampen forces, while the ankle moves into plantarflexion as the heel lowers and the foot comes to full contact with the ground. This combination—controlled knee flexion with ankle plantarflexion—provides shock absorption and helps progress the body over the foot efficiently. Pure knee extension or a dorsiflexed ankle would reduce shock absorption and break the smooth transition of this phase, and excessive hip movement isn’t the main pattern described for loading response.

During loading response the limb must accept weight smoothly and absorb impact. The knee does not stay straight; it flexes in a controlled way to dampen forces, while the ankle moves into plantarflexion as the heel lowers and the foot comes to full contact with the ground. This combination—controlled knee flexion with ankle plantarflexion—provides shock absorption and helps progress the body over the foot efficiently. Pure knee extension or a dorsiflexed ankle would reduce shock absorption and break the smooth transition of this phase, and excessive hip movement isn’t the main pattern described for loading response.