In horizontal plane gait mechanics, the pelvis is positioned how at terminal stance?

In horizontal plane gait mechanics, the pelvis is positioned how at terminal stance?

• A. Fully Adducted
• B. Protracted
• C. Neutral Only
• D. Retracted

Answer: (D)

In the horizontal plane, the pelvis rotates as the leg moves through the gait cycle, coordinating with the stance and swing limbs. At terminal stance, just before toe-off, the pelvis on the stance side sits in a retracted (posteriorly rotated) position. This backward orientation helps stabilize the trunk and align the hip and knee for propulsion as weight begins to transfer to the opposite leg. Protraction would occur earlier when the limb is preparing to swing forward, and neutral would miss the slight rotational offset typical of this phase. Full adduction isn’t the usual descriptor for pelvis position in terminal stance.

In the horizontal plane, the pelvis rotates as the leg moves through the gait cycle, coordinating with the stance and swing limbs. At terminal stance, just before toe-off, the pelvis on the stance side sits in a retracted (posteriorly rotated) position. This backward orientation helps stabilize the trunk and align the hip and knee for propulsion as weight begins to transfer to the opposite leg. Protraction would occur earlier when the limb is preparing to swing forward, and neutral would miss the slight rotational offset typical of this phase. Full adduction isn’t the usual descriptor for pelvis position in terminal stance.