Which rocker occurs at initial contact?

Which rocker occurs at initial contact?

• A. Ankle rocker
• B. Forefoot rocker
• C. Toe rocker
• D. Heel rocker

Answer: (D)

Rocker mechanics during initial contact: the heel is the first ground contact and acts as the fixed pivot, so the tibia can rock forward over the stationary foot as weight is accepted. That motion is the heel rocker, setting up the rollover of the foot into stance. Later in gait, the forefoot becomes the pivot (forefoot rocker) during push-off, the toes around the toe joints (toe rocker) contribute to propulsion, and the tibia rocks over the ankle joint (ankle rocker) during midstance.

Rocker mechanics during initial contact: the heel is the first ground contact and acts as the fixed pivot, so the tibia can rock forward over the stationary foot as weight is accepted. That motion is the heel rocker, setting up the rollover of the foot into stance. Later in gait, the forefoot becomes the pivot (forefoot rocker) during push-off, the toes around the toe joints (toe rocker) contribute to propulsion, and the tibia rocks over the ankle joint (ankle rocker) during midstance.