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Table 6-37

  1. When only one leg can bear weight:
    1. Swing-to gait: crutches forward; swing body to crutches.
      1. Move both crutches forward.
      2. Move both legs to meet the crutches.
      3. Continue pattern.
    2. Swing-through gait: crutches forward; swing body through crutches.
      1. Move both crutches forward.
      2. Move both legs farther ahead than crutches.
      3. Continue pattern.
    3. Three-point gait: crutches and affected extremity forward; swing forward, placing nonaffected foot ahead of or between crutches.
      1. Both crutches and affected limb move at same time.
      2. Move both crutches and affected leg (e.g., left) ahead 6 inches.
      3. Move unaffected leg (e.g., right) to same place as left and crutches.
      4. Continue pattern.
  2. When both legs can move separately and bear some weight:
    1. Four-point gait: right crutch forward, left foot forward; swing weight to right side while bringing left crutch forward, then right foot forward; gait simulates normal walking.
      1. Move right crutch forward 4–6 inches.
      2. Move left foot forward same distance as right crutch.
      3. Move left crutch forward ahead of left foot.
      4. Move right foot forward to meet right crutch.
      5. Continue pattern.
    2. Two-point gait: same as four-point gait but faster; one crutch and opposite leg moving forward at same time.
      1. Opposite crutch and limb move together.
      2. Move right crutch and left leg ahead 6 inches.
      3. Move left crutch and right leg ahead.
      4. Continue pattern.
  3. When client is unable to walk: tripod gait: crutches forward at a wide distance; drag legs to point just behind crutches, balance, and repeat.