What occurs at the foot during heel off?

During the heel-off phase of the gait cycle, the primary motion that occurs at the foot is supination. This phase marks the transition between the stance and push-off portions of walking or running. As the heel lifts off the ground, the foot transitions from a pronated position (which occurs during weight acceptance) towards a more rigid and supinated position that helps in propulsion.

Supination during heel-off involves the foot becoming more rigid, which aids in the effective transfer of forces to the ground and allows for better propulsion in the forward direction. The lateral aspect of the foot becomes more emphasized, and the arches of the foot rise, contributing to this stability. Essentially, supination at heel-off promotes an efficient push-off by providing a strong lever mechanism, ensuring effective transfer of kinetic energy.

Maintaining a rigid lever is also important during this phase, but the focus specifically on the transition to a supinated position highlights the biomechanical changes necessary for effective propulsion. Therefore, recognizing the foot's movement towards supination at heel-off is critical for understanding gait mechanics and optimizing performance in various physical activities.