During gait, which phase involves the greatest ankle dorsiflexion as the body moves over the foot?

• A. During early stance
• B. During midstance
• C. During loading response
• D. During swing phase

Answer: (B)

The greatest ankle dorsiflexion occurs when the body is over the stance foot, during midstance. As the body’s weight shifts forward and the tibia moves over the planted foot, the ankle must dorsiflex to allow smooth forward progression and maintain balance. The calf muscles eccentrically control this motion to prevent the ankle from collapsing and to set up for the next phase. In early stance and loading response, the ankle is more involved with plantarflexion to absorb shock and position the foot for flat, while during swing phase the foot is off the ground and dorsiflexion helps clear the toes but does not reach the maximum magnitude seen in midstance.