During terminal stance and pre-swing, the internal ankle muscle action is what?

During terminal stance and pre-swing, the internal ankle muscle action is what?

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

Answer: (C)

During terminal stance and pre-swing the ankle moves into plantarflexion as the plantarflexor muscles shorten to push the body forward. This concentric contraction of the gastrocnemius and soleus is what provides the primary propulsive force for toe-off, lifting the heel and driving the body onto the toes. Other options describe actions at different joints or phases: dorsiflexors would be controlling the opposite movement (or acting eccentrically to limit plantarflexion), while hip extensors or abductors mainly stabilize or move the hip/trunk rather than drive ankle plantarflexion.

During terminal stance and pre-swing the ankle moves into plantarflexion as the plantarflexor muscles shorten to push the body forward. This concentric contraction of the gastrocnemius and soleus is what provides the primary propulsive force for toe-off, lifting the heel and driving the body onto the toes. Other options describe actions at different joints or phases: dorsiflexors would be controlling the opposite movement (or acting eccentrically to limit plantarflexion), while hip extensors or abductors mainly stabilize or move the hip/trunk rather than drive ankle plantarflexion.