Hip abductors are most active during approximately what portion of the gait cycle?

Hip abductors are most active during approximately what portion of the gait cycle?

• A. First 40%
• B. Last 40%
• C. 60-100%
• D. Only toe off

Answer: (A)

Hip abductors are the workhorse for keeping the pelvis level while the leg is supporting body weight. In walking, this stabilization is needed during the stance phase, especially as weight shifts over the stance leg. A typical gait cycle has stance occupying the early portion, roughly the first 40% of the cycle, which is when the pelvis must be held level and the opposite side not drop. After that, during late stance and into the swing phase, the limb isn’t bearing weight as much, so the demand for abductor activity drops. Toe-off sits at the end of stance and isn’t when these muscles are most active. So the first portion of the gait cycle is when the hip abductors are most active.

Hip abductors are the workhorse for keeping the pelvis level while the leg is supporting body weight. In walking, this stabilization is needed during the stance phase, especially as weight shifts over the stance leg. A typical gait cycle has stance occupying the early portion, roughly the first 40% of the cycle, which is when the pelvis must be held level and the opposite side not drop. After that, during late stance and into the swing phase, the limb isn’t bearing weight as much, so the demand for abductor activity drops. Toe-off sits at the end of stance and isn’t when these muscles are most active. So the first portion of the gait cycle is when the hip abductors are most active.