During toe-off, what is the position of the knee?

During the toe-off phase of the gait cycle, the knee typically transitions from being in full extension to approximately 40 degrees of flexion. This is a critical moment as it marks the end of the propulsion phase of gait, where the body prepares to support weight on the opposite leg while lifting the foot off the ground.

At toe-off, the hip is flexing to initiate the next swing phase, and the knee must flex to help clear the foot from the ground, preventing dragging. The flexion of the knee is important for effective push-off and overall efficiency in walking or running. The angle of flexion helps create momentum for forward movement, while also allowing the leg to elevate and transition smoothly into the swing phase.

In contrast, the other options either imply incorrect angles of knee flexion during toe-off or do not correctly reflect the physiological movement pattern. The chosen answer accurately represents the expected biomechanical position during this phase of gait, highlighting the natural movement and energy efficiency required for forward locomotion.