During terminal stance and pre-swing, the center of pressure shifts medially across the forefoot and ends near what structure for propulsion?

During terminal stance and pre-swing, the center of pressure shifts medially across the forefoot and ends near what structure for propulsion?

• A. Calcaneus
• B. Hallux
• C. Lateral malleolus
• D. Tibial tuberosity

Answer: (B)

In late stance and the transition to toe-off, propulsion comes from transferring the body's weight onto the forefoot and then using the big toe as the final point of contact to generate push-off. The center of pressure moves medially across the forefoot and ends beneath the hallux, allowing the big toe to extend and bear load to drive the body forward. This toe-off action creates a lever for propulsion, and the windlass mechanism can help by tightening the plantar fascia as the hallux dorsiflexes, stiffening the arch for an efficient push. The other structures mentioned don’t serve as the final propulsion contact during this phase: the heel is involved earlier in stance, the lateral malleolus is an ankle landmark, and the tibial tuberosity is related to the knee, not forefoot propulsion.

In late stance and the transition to toe-off, propulsion comes from transferring the body's weight onto the forefoot and then using the big toe as the final point of contact to generate push-off. The center of pressure moves medially across the forefoot and ends beneath the hallux, allowing the big toe to extend and bear load to drive the body forward. This toe-off action creates a lever for propulsion, and the windlass mechanism can help by tightening the plantar fascia as the hallux dorsiflexes, stiffening the arch for an efficient push. The other structures mentioned don’t serve as the final propulsion contact during this phase: the heel is involved earlier in stance, the lateral malleolus is an ankle landmark, and the tibial tuberosity is related to the knee, not forefoot propulsion.