During terminal stance and pre-swing, the foot applies what type of force to the ground?

During terminal stance and pre-swing, the foot applies what type of force to the ground?

• A. An anteriorly directed force
• B. A posteriorly directed force
• C. A medially directed force only
• D. No force

Answer: (B)

During terminal stance and pre-swing, the foot functions to push off the ground to propel the body forward. The forefoot and toes press into the ground as the ankle plantarflexes, applying a backward (posterior) force to the surface. This backward push on the ground, through Newton’s third law, creates the forward reaction force that moves you forward. So the force the foot applies to the ground is directed posteriorly. An anterior push would oppose propulsion, a medially directed force alone doesn’t describe the push-off action, and no force would imply no propulsion at all.

During terminal stance and pre-swing, the foot functions to push off the ground to propel the body forward. The forefoot and toes press into the ground as the ankle plantarflexes, applying a backward (posterior) force to the surface. This backward push on the ground, through Newton’s third law, creates the forward reaction force that moves you forward. So the force the foot applies to the ground is directed posteriorly. An anterior push would oppose propulsion, a medially directed force alone doesn’t describe the push-off action, and no force would imply no propulsion at all.