Crutch Gait

4 Point Gait

  Safest gait

  Requires weight bearing on both legs

  Move RIGHT crutch ahead (6 inches)

  Move LEFT foot forward at the level of the RIGHT crutch

  Move the LEFT crutch forward

  Move the RIGHT foot forward

3 Point Gait

  Requires weight bearing on the UNAFECTED leg

  Move BOTH crutches and the WEAKER LEG forward

  Move the STRONGER leg forward

2 Point Gait

  Faster than 4-point

  Requires more balance

  Partial bearing on BOTH legs

  Move the LEFT crutch and RIGHT foot FORWARD together

  Move the RIGHT crutch and LEFT foot forward together

Swing to Gait

  Usually used by client with paralysis of both legs

  Prolonged use results in atrophy of unused muscle

  Move BOTH crutches together

  Lift body weight by the arms and swing to the crutches (at the level)

  Move BOTH crutches together

  Lift body weight by the arms and swing forward, ahead of the crutches (beyond the level)