Peak medial-lateral GRF is approximately what percentage of body weight?

Peak medial-lateral GRF is approximately what percentage of body weight?

• A. 120% BW
• B. 20% BW
• C. 5% BW
• D. 50% BW

Answer: (C)

In gait, the ground reaction force has vertical, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral components. The body’s weight is mainly supported vertically, and forward progression is driven by the anterior-posterior component. The medial-lateral component is much smaller because balance is maintained with a relatively narrow base of support and coordinated ankle–hip actions, so side-to-side forces are minimized. The peak medial-lateral ground reaction force is about 5% of body weight in normal walking. This small percentage reflects its role in stabilizing the body as the center of mass shifts toward the stance leg, rather than contributing significantly to support or propulsion. The other options imply much larger sideways forces than what’s typically observed during normal gait, making them unlikely.

In gait, the ground reaction force has vertical, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral components. The body’s weight is mainly supported vertically, and forward progression is driven by the anterior-posterior component. The medial-lateral component is much smaller because balance is maintained with a relatively narrow base of support and coordinated ankle–hip actions, so side-to-side forces are minimized.

The peak medial-lateral ground reaction force is about 5% of body weight in normal walking. This small percentage reflects its role in stabilizing the body as the center of mass shifts toward the stance leg, rather than contributing significantly to support or propulsion.

The other options imply much larger sideways forces than what’s typically observed during normal gait, making them unlikely.