In response to a forward sway, which muscle groups are activated as part of the ankle strategy?

• A. Gastrocs, Hamstrings, Paraspinals
• B. Tibialis Anterior, Quadriceps, Abs
• C. Calf and Shin Muscles
• D. Soleus, Glutes, Erector Spinae

Answer: (A)

Ankle strategy relies on rotating around the ankle to keep balance during small perturbations. When the body sways forward, the plantarflexor muscles of the calf contract first, pushing against the ground to create a backward torque at the ankle and bring the trunk back upright. If the sway persists, the body recruits proximal muscles—hamstrings and paraspinals—to further stabilize the knee, hip, and spine. This distal-to-proximal sequence helps restore vertical alignment without needing larger body movements.

So, activating the gastrocnemius (calf) along with the hamstrings and paraspinals fits the ankle strategy pattern for a forward sway, because it starts with ankle plantarflexion and progresses up the kinetic chain to maintain balance.