During the gait cycle, maximum dorsiflexion is most needed at which phase?

• A. Heel strike
• B. Midstance
• C. Terminal stance
• D. Swing phase

Answer: (B)

The phase where the ankle needs the most dorsiflexion is the middle of stance. As the body weight shifts onto the foot, the tibia progresses forward over a relatively fixed foot, requiring the ankle to dorsiflex to allow this forward progression while maintaining a stable foot contact. This dorsiflexion helps keep the foot flat on the ground and supports shock absorption and progression. At heel strike the ankle is near neutral or slightly plantarflexed, during terminal stance the foot transitions into plantarflexion to generate push-off, and in swing the demand for dorsiflexion is mainly for toe clearance but it isn’t as great as during midstance.