Which of the following is NOT part of the stance phase of gait?

In the analysis of the phases of gait, the stance phase is the portion of the walking cycle where the foot is in contact with the ground. This phase includes several key components: heel strike (the moment the heel touches the ground), mid-stance (the period when the body weight shifts over the planted foot), and push-off (the phase where the foot prepares to leave the ground, typically involving the toes).

The foot arch being emphasized in the given question is not a defined part of the stance phase. Instead, the foot arch refers to the structural aspect of the foot that supports weight distribution and balance during movement. It is important in maintaining stability and shock absorption but does not specifically occur as an identified phase of movement within the gait cycle.

To summarize, the correct choice identifies a component that does not belong to the operational phases of gait, while the other components are critical actions that occur during the stance phase, contributing to effective and efficient locomotion.