Which phases are included in single limb support?

Which phases are included in single limb support?

• A. Initial contact and loading response
• B. Midstance and terminal stance
• C. Pre-swing and initial swing
• D. Initial swing and mid-swing

Answer: (B)

Single-limb support is the portion of the gait cycle when only one leg is bearing the body's weight. After the foot has fully accepted load, the body advances over that stance limb during midstance, which is the phase where the weight shifts over the foot and the limb supports the body's progression. It continues into terminal stance, the final portion of stance, as the body moves over the forefoot and the heel rises in preparation for toe-off. This is the period when the opposite leg is in swing, so only one limb supports the body's weight. The other phases involve either both feet on the ground (double support) or the limb not bearing weight (swing), which is why midstance and terminal stance are the single-limb support phases.

Single-limb support is the portion of the gait cycle when only one leg is bearing the body's weight. After the foot has fully accepted load, the body advances over that stance limb during midstance, which is the phase where the weight shifts over the foot and the limb supports the body's progression. It continues into terminal stance, the final portion of stance, as the body moves over the forefoot and the heel rises in preparation for toe-off. This is the period when the opposite leg is in swing, so only one limb supports the body's weight. The other phases involve either both feet on the ground (double support) or the limb not bearing weight (swing), which is why midstance and terminal stance are the single-limb support phases.