4-Point Gait:
4-Point Gait Requires bilateral ambulation aids
Alternate and reciprocal forward movement of aid and opposite LE.
“Left crutch, then right foot; Right crutch, then left foot.”
Slow, but stable pattern
Requires low energy
Approximates normal gait pattern
2-Point Gait:
2-Point Gait “Left crutch and right foot; Right crutch and left foot”
Relatively stable, rapid
Low energy
Most like normal gait
Requires coordination
Modified 4-Point or 2-Point:
Modified 4-Point or 2-Point Requires 1 ambulation aid
Used for patient with 1 functional UE or 1 ambulation aid
Aid held in UE opposite to LE that requires protection
Widens BOS
Shifts COG away from “bad” LE
“Hemi Gait” or “Hemi Pattern”
3- Point Gait:
3- Point Gait Requires bilateral ambulation aids or walker.
Cannot be performed with bilateral canes
“Step-to” or “Step-through”
NWB on 1 lower extremity
Walker or aids and NWB LE advanced
Patient “steps-to” or “steps-through” crutches
3-Point Gait:
3-Point Gait Less stable, but rapid
Requires Good strength in UE’s and other LE
Energy expenditure high
“Swing-to” and “Swing-through”
SCI, developmental disability that must swing LE’s forward
Modified 3-Point or 3-1-Point:
Modified 3-Point or 3-1-Point Requires bilateral ambulation aids or walker
FWB on 1 LE, PWB on the other
Aids advanced simultaneously with PWB LE, then FWB LE advanced
Portion of body weight distributed to aids to decrease weight-bearing status
Modified 3-Point, 3-1 Point:
Modified 3-Point, 3-1 Point More stable than 3-point
Less energy than 3-point
Slower
Allows some WB on affected LE
Can be of great benefit