Question

During what phase of the gait cycle is the TA contracting eccentrically?

Answer 1

The tibialis anterior contracts eccentrically during the heel strike and initial stance phase of the gait cycle to control the lowering of the foot.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tibialis anterior (TA) muscle contracts eccentrically during the heel strike and the early stance phase of the gait cycle. The TA helps to control the plantar flexion of the ankle as the foot hits the ground, allowing the foot to slowly lower to the ground rather than slapping down rapidly. During this phase, the TA is under eccentric contraction, where the muscle is actively lengthening while maintaining tension to modulate movement and absorb the impact of the foot strike. This contrasts with concentric contraction, where the muscle shortens to produce movement, such as when the heel lifts off the ground and the foot pushes off during the gait cycle.