Question

A female who suffered a stroke ten years ago comes to an outpatient clinic with complaints of chronic back pain. The physical therapist assesses the patient's gait cycle and decides to take a video of the patient in slow motion. In regards to a normal gait pattern, dorsiflexors terminate their action by the end of which phase of gait?

A. The end of loading response
B. The end of terminal swing
C. The end of terminal stance
D. The end of midswing

Answer 1

The dorsiflexors terminate their action by the end of the terminal stance phase of the gait cycle.

Step-by-step explanation:

In regards to a normal gait pattern, the dorsiflexors terminate their action by the end of the terminal stance phase. The sequence of gait begins with the heel strike of one foot and ends with the push off of the toes of that same foot to initiate the heel strike of the other foot. Therefore, the correct answer to the question would be: C. The end of terminal stance

The terminal stance phase is where the heel of the foot starts to lift off the ground, and the body prepares for the swing phase.

At this point, the dorsiflexors are ending their action to allow the foot to begin plantar flexion in preparation for the toe-off and the subsequent swing phase.