The second half of swing is mainly produced by which mechanism?

The second half of swing is mainly produced by which mechanism?

• A. Active ankle plantarflexion
• B. Forward momentum of the thigh
• C. Eccentric hip flexor contraction
• D. Passive subtalar eversion

Answer: (B)

In the second half of swing, the leg is carried forward largely by the thigh’s momentum that was generated earlier in the swing. This forward inertia keeps the limb moving toward heel strike, with the distal joints following passively and muscles mainly providing just enough control to place the foot correctly. Active ankle plantarflexion is a stance-phase push-off mechanism rather than a driver of late-swing propulsion. Eccentric hip flexor action would tend to slow hip flexion rather than propel the leg forward in the latter part of swing. Passive subtalar eversion serves mainly foot adaptation, not propulsion. So the forward momentum of the thigh best explains the second half of swing.

In the second half of swing, the leg is carried forward largely by the thigh’s momentum that was generated earlier in the swing. This forward inertia keeps the limb moving toward heel strike, with the distal joints following passively and muscles mainly providing just enough control to place the foot correctly. Active ankle plantarflexion is a stance-phase push-off mechanism rather than a driver of late-swing propulsion. Eccentric hip flexor action would tend to slow hip flexion rather than propel the leg forward in the latter part of swing. Passive subtalar eversion serves mainly foot adaptation, not propulsion. So the forward momentum of the thigh best explains the second half of swing.