Midstance is best described as which of the following?

Midstance is best described as which of the following?

• A. Rapid unloading of the trailing limb
• B. Final knee extension before contact
• C. Body progresses over a single stable limb
• D. Thigh begins advancement as the foot comes off the floor

Answer: (C)

Midstance describes the phase of walking when the body weight is carried by a single, stable leg and the body progresses forward over that stationary foot. The stance leg supports the body's weight while the trunk moves over it, preparing for the upcoming push-off. The other leg is in swing, clearing the ground. This is different from rapid unloading of the trailing limb (which happens as the other leg leaves the ground), late swing knee extension before contact (which prepares for heel strike), or early swing thigh advancement (which begins after the foot leaves the floor). Therefore, the best description is that the body progresses over a single stable limb.

Midstance describes the phase of walking when the body weight is carried by a single, stable leg and the body progresses forward over that stationary foot. The stance leg supports the body's weight while the trunk moves over it, preparing for the upcoming push-off. The other leg is in swing, clearing the ground. This is different from rapid unloading of the trailing limb (which happens as the other leg leaves the ground), late swing knee extension before contact (which prepares for heel strike), or early swing thigh advancement (which begins after the foot leaves the floor). Therefore, the best description is that the body progresses over a single stable limb.