During terminal swing, the hip is approximately in which position?

During terminal swing, the hip is approximately in which position?

• A. 60° flexion
• B. 20° flexion
• C. 0°
• D. 10° extension

Answer: (B)

In terminal swing the leg is being positioned for heel strike, so the hip sits in a light flexion. This modest amount of hip flexion allows the thigh to progress forward and the knee to near full extension, placing the foot under the body's center of mass for a smooth, controlled initial contact. The hamstrings eccentrically decelerate the forward swing to prepare the limb for weight acceptance. If the hip were much more flexed, the foot would strike in front of the body with a different braking demand; if the hip were neutral or extended, the alignment for heel strike wouldn’t be optimal. So, a light hip flexion best matches terminal swing.

In terminal swing the leg is being positioned for heel strike, so the hip sits in a light flexion. This modest amount of hip flexion allows the thigh to progress forward and the knee to near full extension, placing the foot under the body's center of mass for a smooth, controlled initial contact. The hamstrings eccentrically decelerate the forward swing to prepare the limb for weight acceptance. If the hip were much more flexed, the foot would strike in front of the body with a different braking demand; if the hip were neutral or extended, the alignment for heel strike wouldn’t be optimal. So, a light hip flexion best matches terminal swing.