During heel strike, how are the gluteal and hamstring muscles contracting?

During the heel strike phase of gait, the hamstring and gluteal muscles undergo eccentric contraction. This occurs as the body prepares to absorb shock and stabilize the pelvis and hip joint when the foot makes contact with the ground.

Eccentric contraction is evident as these muscles lengthen under tension to control the motion and decelerate the leg as it moves forward. The gluteus maximus plays a role in stabilizing the hip and controlling the forward motion, while the hamstrings help to counteract the forward momentum of the leg. This controlled lengthening is essential for maintaining balance and preventing excessive forward tilting of the pelvis, which can lead to instability or injury.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for evaluating gait and designing appropriate rehabilitation strategies for individuals with musculoskeletal impairments.