Question

In the swing phase of walking, is the hip in flexion or extension? Is the knee in flexion or extension? Is the ankle in dorsiflexion or plantarflexion? Which muscles are involved?

Answer 1

During the swing phase of walking, the hip and knee are in flexion and the ankle in dorsiflexion, transitioning into extension and slight plantarflexion as the leg moves forward, with several muscles like the hip flexors and the quadriceps being involved.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the swing phase of walking, the hip is in flexion as the thigh moves forward. The knee is also in flexion initially to lift the foot off the ground and then transitions into extension towards the end of the swing phase to prepare for foot placement. The ankle is in dorsiflexion to clear the ground as the leg swings forward and then moves into slight plantarflexion just before the foot makes contact with the ground again. The muscles involved in these movements include the hip flexors (such as the iliopsoas) for hip flexion, the quadriceps for knee extension, the hamstrings and calf muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus) for controlling the movement of the knee and ankle, and the tibialis anterior, which helps in dorsiflexion of the ankle.

Learn more about Swing Phase of Walking