Which motor strategy is used to restore ROM during static standing with minimal distractions?

• A. Hip strategy
• B. Knee strategy
• C. Ankle strategy
• D. Step strategy

Answer: (C)

In quiet standing, small disturbances are addressed most effectively by the ankle strategy. The body restores balance by using plantarflexion and dorsiflexion at the ankle, shifting the center of mass over the base of support while keeping the hips and knees relatively stable. This distal adjustment preserves ROM with minimal proximal movement, which is ideal when distractions are minimal and perturbations are small. If the perturbation is larger or the surface is unstable, the system shifts to the hip strategy, which relies on hip flexion/extension and involves more proximal joints to regain balance. A stepping strategy would come into play only when in-place adjustments can’t bring the body back within the base of support.