The late flight eccentric knee flexion that accelerates the leg backward and stops before foot strike is aided by which action?

The late flight eccentric knee flexion that accelerates the leg backward and stops before foot strike is aided by which action?

• A. Concentric knee flexion to minimize braking at touchdown
• B. Concentric hip extension
• C. Eccentric ankle plantarflexion
• D. Isometric knee extension

Answer: (A)

In late flight, the leg is set up to come down under the body with minimal braking, and the knee flexors must lengthen (eccentrically) to control the motion as the leg is pulled backward toward foot strike. That eccentric knee flexion is most effectively prepared by a prior, brisk concentric knee flexion. Pushing the knee into flexion earlier creates the right knee angle and momentum, allowing the hamstrings to lengthen under control to drive the leg backward and finish the swing with the knee flexed just before contact. This setup helps minimize braking at touchdown because the leg arrives in a position and with a velocity that doesn’t slam into the ground. Other actions involve different joints or oppose knee flexion, so they don’t support this specific late-swing knee control as effectively.

In late flight, the leg is set up to come down under the body with minimal braking, and the knee flexors must lengthen (eccentrically) to control the motion as the leg is pulled backward toward foot strike. That eccentric knee flexion is most effectively prepared by a prior, brisk concentric knee flexion. Pushing the knee into flexion earlier creates the right knee angle and momentum, allowing the hamstrings to lengthen under control to drive the leg backward and finish the swing with the knee flexed just before contact. This setup helps minimize braking at touchdown because the leg arrives in a position and with a velocity that doesn’t slam into the ground. Other actions involve different joints or oppose knee flexion, so they don’t support this specific late-swing knee control as effectively.