Vertical ground reaction forces are slightly greater than body weight during which periods?

Vertical ground reaction forces are slightly greater than body weight during which periods?

• A. Midstance only
• B. Loading response and terminal stance
• C. Terminal swing only
• D. Loading response only

Answer: (B)

Vertical ground reaction forces rise above body weight at two moments when the foot is in contact with the ground: right after heel strike during loading response, when the limb is absorbing impact and decelerating the body's forward momentum, and again during terminal stance when the ankle plantarflexors generate propulsion for push-off. In midstance the force is close to body weight as the limb mainly supports the body with less dynamic loading, and during terminal swing there is no ground contact. So the periods are loading response and terminal stance.

Vertical ground reaction forces rise above body weight at two moments when the foot is in contact with the ground: right after heel strike during loading response, when the limb is absorbing impact and decelerating the body's forward momentum, and again during terminal stance when the ankle plantarflexors generate propulsion for push-off. In midstance the force is close to body weight as the limb mainly supports the body with less dynamic loading, and during terminal swing there is no ground contact. So the periods are loading response and terminal stance.