What type of moment is occurring at the hip during heel strike?

During heel strike in the gait cycle, the hip experiences a flexion moment. This occurs because, as the heel makes contact with the ground, the hip joint is positioned in a flexed position as the leg moves forward. The body’s center of mass shifts, and as the foot strikes the ground, the force of gravity and the body's momentum contribute to this flexion moment at the hip.

At heel strike, there are muscular demands placed on the hip extensors, such as the gluteus maximus, to stabilize the hip and control the flexion occurring due to the position of the leg. The hip must manage this flexion moment effectively to ensure balance and prepare for the subsequent phases of gait. Understanding this moment is essential in assessing and coaching proper gait mechanics, particularly in rehabilitation settings or when analyzing movement patterns in sports.