At heel strike, the hip is flexed by approximately how many degrees?

At heel strike, the hip is flexed by approximately how many degrees?

• A. 25-35 degrees.
• B. 0-5 degrees.
• C. 45-60 degrees.
• D. 15-20 degrees.

Answer: (A)

At heel strike the leg is positioned with the thigh already flexed enough to place the foot under the body for smooth weight acceptance. This hip flexion is typically about 25 degrees, within the 25–35 degree range. That amount of flexion helps align the knee and ankle for shock absorption and forward progression as the body transitions from swing to stance. If the hip were near neutral (0–5 degrees) or highly flexed (45–60 degrees), the gait pattern would be less efficient and could alter how the limb absorbs impact or moves into the next phase. The intermediate range of 15–20 degrees is a bit low for normal heel strike, so the 25–35 degree range best matches typical gait data.

At heel strike the leg is positioned with the thigh already flexed enough to place the foot under the body for smooth weight acceptance. This hip flexion is typically about 25 degrees, within the 25–35 degree range. That amount of flexion helps align the knee and ankle for shock absorption and forward progression as the body transitions from swing to stance. If the hip were near neutral (0–5 degrees) or highly flexed (45–60 degrees), the gait pattern would be less efficient and could alter how the limb absorbs impact or moves into the next phase. The intermediate range of 15–20 degrees is a bit low for normal heel strike, so the 25–35 degree range best matches typical gait data.