Which muscles provide push-off during terminal stance and pre-swing?

Which muscles provide push-off during terminal stance and pre-swing?

• A. Tibialis anterior and EHL
• B. Gluteus medius and minimus
• C. Quadriceps only
• D. Gastrocnemius and soleus

Answer: (D)

Push-off is powered by the ankle plantarflexors. In terminal stance and pre-swing, the gastrocnemius and soleus contract to plantarflex the foot, generating the propulsive force that pushes the body forward and moves the limb into the swing phase. The gastrocnemius crosses the knee, so its action can influence knee mechanics as well, but the main role in propulsion comes from plantarflexion at the ankle. The soleus provides strong, continuous plantarflexion regardless of knee position, contributing the majority of push-off torque. The other muscles listed don’t provide the forward propulsion during this phase: the tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus are dorsiflexors used for foot clearance earlier in swing, the gluteus medius and minimus stabilize the pelvis, and the quadriceps mainly extend the knee to support early and mid-stance rather than create push-off.

Push-off is powered by the ankle plantarflexors. In terminal stance and pre-swing, the gastrocnemius and soleus contract to plantarflex the foot, generating the propulsive force that pushes the body forward and moves the limb into the swing phase. The gastrocnemius crosses the knee, so its action can influence knee mechanics as well, but the main role in propulsion comes from plantarflexion at the ankle. The soleus provides strong, continuous plantarflexion regardless of knee position, contributing the majority of push-off torque.

The other muscles listed don’t provide the forward propulsion during this phase: the tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus are dorsiflexors used for foot clearance earlier in swing, the gluteus medius and minimus stabilize the pelvis, and the quadriceps mainly extend the knee to support early and mid-stance rather than create push-off.