Highest body velocity occurs during what period?

Highest body velocity occurs during what period?

• A. Double limb support
• B. Midstance
• C. Terminal swing only
• D. Single limb support only

Answer: (A)

During double limb support, the body’s forward progression is most rapid because both legs share propulsion and the base of support is wider. As one foot contacts the ground and the other is preparing to push off, forces from both limbs drive the center of mass forward more efficiently, producing the highest forward velocity. In the middle of stance (midstance), the body mainly passes over the stance leg with less forward acceleration, so velocity is lower. In terminal swing, the leg decelerates to prepare for contact, reducing forward speed. When only one limb is supporting, propulsion is not being shared, so the forward velocity is not as high as during the double-support phase.

During double limb support, the body’s forward progression is most rapid because both legs share propulsion and the base of support is wider. As one foot contacts the ground and the other is preparing to push off, forces from both limbs drive the center of mass forward more efficiently, producing the highest forward velocity. In the middle of stance (midstance), the body mainly passes over the stance leg with less forward acceleration, so velocity is lower. In terminal swing, the leg decelerates to prepare for contact, reducing forward speed. When only one limb is supporting, propulsion is not being shared, so the forward velocity is not as high as during the double-support phase.