The basic function of the lower limb during stance is to resist collapse and to extend sufficiently to achieve the required push-off. Collapse of the lower limb requires a flexion at all three joints (knee, ankle and hip), thus support of the body requires net extensor activity at these joints. A new support moment, M_s, is defined as the algebraic sum of the extensor moments at the three joints, and for 24 subjects, nine patient and three jogging trials M_s was calculated and found to be positive (net extension) over the stance period. Normalizing the peak amplitude of M_s to 100% and averaging these curves over 100% of stance revealed a significant basic pattern. The ensemble average of 12 subjects walking at their natural cadence was very similar to the ensemble average of a mixed group of 24 subjects (walking at fast, natural and slow cadences) and 9 patients. Examination of individual subject and patient joint moment histories revealed considerable variability at the knee and hip in spite of consistent M_s patterns. For example, one knee replacement patient had a moderate knee flexion for the entire stance period but compensated and prevented knee collapse by large hip extension during that time. The three joggers also showed a consistent M_s pattern in the presence of individual variations at the knee and hip;​ however, the shape of M_s curve had a single peak compared with a double peak for the walking trials.