midstance

midstance

[mid′stanz]

Etymology: AS, midd + L, stare, to stand

one of the five stages in the stance phase of walking, or gait, directly associated with the period of single-leg support of body weight or the period during which the body advances over the stationary foot. During midstance the tibialis posterior and the flexor hallucis longus display their greatest activity. The midstance phase is considered in the diagnosis of many abnormal orthopedic conditions and in the analysis of the associated weaknesses of certain muscles and muscle groups. Compare initial contact stance stage, loading response stance stage, preswing stance stage, terminal stance. See also swing phase of gait.