terminal stance, one of the five stages in the stance phase of a walking gait, directly associated with the continuation of single limb support or the period during which the body moves forward on the supporting foot. Double limb support is initiated during the latter part of terminal stance, which is often a factor in the analysis of many abnormal orthopedic conditions and the diagnosis of weaknesses that may develop in certain muscles used in walking, such as the quadriceps femoris and the gluteus maximus. Compare initial contact stance stage, loading response stance stage, midstance, preswing stance stage. See also swing phase of gait.
