What percentage of the body weight is loaded onto the weight-bearing limb during the initial portion of the stance phase of gait?
A 10%
B 100%
C 50%
D 60%
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C 50%.
During the initial portion of the stance phase of gait, the weight-bearing limb supports approximately 50% of the body’s weight. The stance phase consists of several components, with the initial contact, loading response, midstance, and terminal stance being key stages. The weight-bearing limb experiences a gradual transfer of body weight during these phases.
In the initial contact phase, the foot first makes contact with the ground, and the body weight begins to shift toward the foot. The loading response, which follows initial contact, sees the majority of body weight transferring onto the limb that is in contact with the ground. At this stage, the weight-bearing limb supports roughly 50% of the body’s total weight. This distribution ensures that the body has proper stability while the other limb is in the swing phase.
As the stance phase progresses through midstance and terminal stance, the percentage of body weight supported by the weight-bearing limb increases slightly, reaching a peak just before the push-off phase. During the push-off (which is the final part of the stance phase), the body weight is transferred to the other limb, and the stance phase ends with the start of the swing phase.
This 50% load on the weight-bearing limb is essential for maintaining balance and facilitating smooth, efficient movement. It allows the body to absorb the impact of each step while also preparing for the next phase of walking.