Extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus are active at heel contact to which function?

Extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus are active at heel contact to which function?

• A. Supinate the rearfoot
• B. Decelerate ankle plantarflexion
• C. Flex the toes
• D. Produce hip extension

Answer: (B)

At heel contact, the body is about to land on the ground and gravity tends to push the foot into plantarflexion. The extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus, located on the front of the leg, contract eccentrically to control this motion. By helping to dorsiflex the ankle and keep the toes extended, they slow down the rapid plantarflexion and prevent a foot slap, stabilizing the foot as it accepts weight. They aren’t primarily responsible for rearfoot supination, hip extension, or simply curling the toes—their key role here is decelerating ankle plantarflexion.

At heel contact, the body is about to land on the ground and gravity tends to push the foot into plantarflexion. The extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus, located on the front of the leg, contract eccentrically to control this motion. By helping to dorsiflex the ankle and keep the toes extended, they slow down the rapid plantarflexion and prevent a foot slap, stabilizing the foot as it accepts weight. They aren’t primarily responsible for rearfoot supination, hip extension, or simply curling the toes—their key role here is decelerating ankle plantarflexion.