During terminal stance, vertical ground reaction force is slightly greater than body weight.

During terminal stance, vertical ground reaction force is slightly greater than body weight.

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

Answer: (C)

In terminal stance, the leg is preparing to push off and move the body forward. The forefoot presses into the ground not only to support body weight but also to generate propulsion. This plantarflexor action creates a vertical component of ground reaction that must exceed just supporting weight in order to lift and advance the body. So the vertical ground reaction force is typically a bit greater than body weight at this moment, reflecting both weight support and the small upward acceleration needed for propulsion. The other options don’t fit because the force isn’t simply equal to weight, nor is it usually less than weight, and there is a consistent pattern tied to the push-off phase.

In terminal stance, the leg is preparing to push off and move the body forward. The forefoot presses into the ground not only to support body weight but also to generate propulsion. This plantarflexor action creates a vertical component of ground reaction that must exceed just supporting weight in order to lift and advance the body. So the vertical ground reaction force is typically a bit greater than body weight at this moment, reflecting both weight support and the small upward acceleration needed for propulsion. The other options don’t fit because the force isn’t simply equal to weight, nor is it usually less than weight, and there is a consistent pattern tied to the push-off phase.