Which phase marks the start of gluteus maximus activity in the gait cycle?

Which phase marks the start of gluteus maximus activity in the gait cycle?

• A. Initial contact
• B. Loading response
• C. Terminal swing
• D. Midstance

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is when the hip extensor first turns on to prepare and manage the transition from swing to stance. The gluteus maximus begins firing in terminal swing, as the leg is finishing its forward swing and the hip is maintained or prepared for the ground contact. At this moment it eccentrically slows hip flexion and helps position the pelvis for a stable heel strike, setting up proper hip extension and trunk control as weight is accepted in the early stance. If activation were thought to start later, at initial contact or during loading response, the leg would lack this preparatory control and the hip could collapse into excessive flexion or the trunk could tilt forward. Midstance and beyond involve ongoing stabilization and propulsion, but the onset of activation is best described as beginning in terminal swing.

The main idea here is when the hip extensor first turns on to prepare and manage the transition from swing to stance. The gluteus maximus begins firing in terminal swing, as the leg is finishing its forward swing and the hip is maintained or prepared for the ground contact. At this moment it eccentrically slows hip flexion and helps position the pelvis for a stable heel strike, setting up proper hip extension and trunk control as weight is accepted in the early stance.

If activation were thought to start later, at initial contact or during loading response, the leg would lack this preparatory control and the hip could collapse into excessive flexion or the trunk could tilt forward. Midstance and beyond involve ongoing stabilization and propulsion, but the onset of activation is best described as beginning in terminal swing.