The Step
Smart allows for more efficient gait by allowing Plantarflexion. Plantarflexion is important at heel strike because it moves the Floor Reaction Force more
Anterior. This is a more stable dynamic position. The patient will
appreciate the ease of walking.
Without Plantarflexion
the Floor Reaction Force is more posterior and creates a Knee Flexion moment
that the patient has to fight. This can result in the buckling of the knee.