What movement is often involved in normal walking where one leg moves back?

The movement that occurs when one leg moves back during normal walking is known as retraction. Retraction refers to the backward movement of a limb or body part. In the context of walking, as one leg moves backward during the push-off phase of the gait cycle, it is essentially retracting or drawing back compared to its forward position, facilitating a fluid walking motion.

This concept is essential in understanding how the body uses different types of movements to achieve coordinated actions, such as locomotion. In contrast, extension refers to straightening a limb, flexion is the act of bending a limb, and elevation involves lifting a body part upwards. While these movements play a role in various aspects of walking, they do not accurately describe the backward movement of the leg involved in the walking process. Thus, retraction is the correct term associated with the movement of the leg moving back while walking.