Which region does the center of pressure move toward during push-off?

Which region does the center of pressure move toward during push-off?

• A. Central midfoot
• B. Lateral heel
• C. Hallux only
• D. Medial forefoot

Answer: (D)

During push-off the body shifts weight onto the forefoot to generate propulsion, so the point where the ground reaction force effectively acts— the center of pressure—moves along the sole toward the medial forefoot, near the big toe. This medial forefoot focus provides the strongest lever arm for plantarflexion, maximizing forward propulsion as the foot exits the stance phase. If the center of pressure stayed under the heel or moved laterally, propulsion would be less efficient, whereas a shift toward the medial forefoot aligns with the mechanics of pushing off.

During push-off the body shifts weight onto the forefoot to generate propulsion, so the point where the ground reaction force effectively acts— the center of pressure—moves along the sole toward the medial forefoot, near the big toe. This medial forefoot focus provides the strongest lever arm for plantarflexion, maximizing forward propulsion as the foot exits the stance phase. If the center of pressure stayed under the heel or moved laterally, propulsion would be less efficient, whereas a shift toward the medial forefoot aligns with the mechanics of pushing off.