Ankle movement during gait cycle
The ankle:
- plantar flexes during loading response
- dorsiflexes gradually during midstance
- plantar flexes during terminal stance
- dorsiflexes during swing:
- to avoid toe drag
- to prepare to contact ground at the heel
The graph of ankle motion during gait is adapted from McPoil, T.G., & Knecht, H.G. (1985). Biomechanics of the foot in walking: A function approach. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 7 (2), 69-72.
Review ankle biomechanics