Final answer:
Pronation in the gait cycle occurs at mid-stance when the foot rolls inward to help distribute the force of impact and provide balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pronation in the gait cycle occurs during mid-stance. This is when the foot rolls inward after the heel strikes the ground, helping to distribute the force of impact and assist in balance. Pronation involves the complex movements of the foot and is crucial for absorbing shock and adapting to different surfaces. At the point of mid-stance, the entire foot is in contact with the ground and bears the body's weight, which makes it the phase where pronation is most active. Proper pronation maintains posture while walking and is important for stabilizing the foot.