During terminal swing, the ankle is approximately in what position?

During terminal swing, the ankle is approximately in what position?

• A. 10° dorsiflexion
• B. 0°
• C. 5° dorsiflexion
• D. 15° plantarflexion

Answer: (A)

In terminal swing, the body is wrapping up the swing phase and preparing for heel contact. The ankle sits in dorsiflexion, about 10 degrees, as the tibia moves forward over the foot. This modest dorsiflexed position helps clear the toes during the remainder of the swing and places the foot in a favorable orientation for a smooth, controlled heel strike. Neutral (0°) or plantarflexed positions would not optimize contact or toe clearance, and plantarflexion around 15° would delay heel contact and disrupt the timing of the step. So, roughly 10° of dorsiflexion best matches the functional setup for the next ground contact.

In terminal swing, the body is wrapping up the swing phase and preparing for heel contact. The ankle sits in dorsiflexion, about 10 degrees, as the tibia moves forward over the foot. This modest dorsiflexed position helps clear the toes during the remainder of the swing and places the foot in a favorable orientation for a smooth, controlled heel strike. Neutral (0°) or plantarflexed positions would not optimize contact or toe clearance, and plantarflexion around 15° would delay heel contact and disrupt the timing of the step. So, roughly 10° of dorsiflexion best matches the functional setup for the next ground contact.