What is another name for the acceleration phase of the swing phase?

The acceleration phase of the swing phase is correctly identified as the initial swing. During this period, the leg accelerates forward following the toe-off from the ground, which is crucial for maintaining momentum as the leg prepares to move through the cycle of walking or running. This phase is typically characterized by the foot lifting off the ground and moving forward, allowing for the effective transition from one step to the next.

In contrast, the terminal swing, mid-swing, and pre-swing phases represent different parts of the swing cycle with distinct characteristics. The terminal swing involves the leg slowing down and preparing for contact with the ground, mid-swing is when the swinging leg passes beneath the body, and pre-swing is the phase just before toe-off, marking the transition from stance to swing. Each of these phases plays its own role in gait mechanics, but they are not synonymous with the acceleration that occurs in the initial swing.