preswing stance stage

preswing stance stage

[prē′swing]

Etymology: L, prae + AS, swingan, to fling; L, stare, to stand; OFr, estage, stage

one of the five stages in the stance phase of walking or gait, a brief transitional period of double-limb support during which one leg is rapidly relieved of body-bearing weight and prepared for the swing forward. The type of preswing used by an individual is a factor in the diagnosis of many abnormal orthopedic conditions. Compare initial contact stance stage, loading response stance stage, midstance, terminal stance. See also swing phase of gait.