Heeloff

Heeloff, often written heel-off, is a term in biomechanics and gait analysis describing a moment in the stance phase of walking or running when the heel lifts off the ground while the forefoot remains in contact. This heel-off event marks the shift of weight to the forefoot and typically precedes toe-off. In data analysis, heel-off timing is defined relative to the gait cycle and can be identified using force plates, pressure insoles, or motion capture.

Measurement and interpretation: Heel-off duration and timing influence propulsion efficiency and balance. Shortened or delayed heel-off can indicate plantarflexor weakness, limited ankle mobility, or forefoot pathology, while early heel-off may reflect instability or compensatory strategies.

Applications: Clinically, heel-off is used to assess and monitor gait in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation. In sports science and footwear design, understanding heel-off informs the design of midstance stability and the transition to toe-off for energy-efficient gait.

Relation to other phases: Heel-off is part of the terminal stance phase, following heel-strike and midstance and preceding toe-off. The term is standard in scholarly literature, though some writers use heel-off, heeloff, or variations without a hyphen.

Origin and terminology: The name derives from the observable loss of heel ground contact during this segment of the gait cycle. The concept is widely employed in gait analysis, biomechanics, orthotics, and rehabilitation literature.