In gait analysis, the midstance phase is defined as which interval?

In gait analysis, the midstance phase is defined as which interval?

• A. Opposite side toe off through heel rise of that limb
• B. Heel strike to foot flat
• C. Initial contact to loading response
• D. Toe-off of the same limb

Answer: (A)

Midstance is the period when the body is directly over the standing leg during single-limb support. It begins when the opposite limb leaves the ground (contralateral toe-off) and ends when the standing leg’s heel rises off the ground (heel rise). During this interval the limb bears body weight while the trunk moves forward over the foot, loading the ankle, knee, and hip. The other intervals described correspond to earlier or later parts of the gait cycle: heel strike to foot flat is the transition into stance (loading response), and toe-off of the same limb occurs later as the limb prepares to enter preswing and swing.