Equipment, devices, modalities

Non weight bearing gait

3 point pattern

Toe touch weight bearing gait

3 point pattern

Partial weight bearing gait

3 point pattern

Two point gait

AD (cane or crutches) and opposite extremity move together, then opposite crutch and extremity

Modified two point gait

only one cane or crutch, on opposite of affected extremity. Moves with affected limb

Three point gait

AD and involved leg advance together

Four point gait

left crutch, right leg, right crutch, left leg

Swing to

both crutches advance together, both legs swing to meet crutches

Swing - through

Both crutches advance together and both legs swing beyond crutches

Walker

All levels of WB, provides good stability

20-25* elbow flexion

3 point gait pattern

Axillary crutches

All levels of WB, requires more coordination

hand grip at ulnar styloid process, 20-25* elbow flexion

6in in front and 2in lateral to patient

Loftstrand crutches

All levels of WB

requires most coordination

Cane

For balance assistance, minimal stability

Not appropriate for partial WB

on opposite of involved side

What muscle must be strong to use crutches

Lats

Platforms

allow WB on forearm for patients that can’t bear weight through hands/wrist

Lumbar traction

joint distraction: 50% of body weight

Disk protrusion, spasm, stretching: 25% body weight

Cervical traction

supine with 20-30* flexion

10-15lb or 7-10% body weight