NOTRE DAME OF JOLO COLLEGE

HEALTH SCIENCES DEPARTMENT

7400, JOLO, SULU

Name: _________________________________ Year & Section: ____________ Date: _______

GAIT PATTERNS FOR CRUTCHES

PROPER FIT 2 1 0 Remarks

Height:
 Should be adjusted at the lower part of the crutch according to the patient’s height.
Hand grips:
 Should be even with the top of the hipline so when the patient places his/her hand on the hand
grips his/her elbows will be slightly flexed at about 15°-30° angle.
. Rest Pads:
 Should have at least 2-3 finger width (1-1.5”) gap between the rest pads and the axilla to prevent
nerve damage.

TWO-POINT GAIT PATTERN: 2 1 0 Remarks

1. Starting position: weight is borne on both legs and both crutches. (Also known as Tripod position.)
2. Start by advancing the crutch on the bad leg. (Example, the LEFT leg is injured.)
3. Start with the left crutch and the right leg are advanced together.
4. The right crutch and left leg are advanced together.
5. The cycle is repeated

FOUR-POINT GAIT PATTERN: 2 1 0 Remarks

1. Starting position: weight is borne on both legs and both crutches.
2. Start by advancing the crutch on the bad leg. (Example, the LEFT leg is injured.)
3. The left crutch is advanced.
4. The right leg is advanced.
5. The right crutch is advanced.
6. The left leg is advanced.
7. Cycle is repeated.

THREE-POINT GAIT PATTERN: 2 1 0 Remarks

1. Starting position. (Example, the LEFT leg is partial-weight bearing.)
2. Weight is shifted onto the good leg. Both crutches are advanced.
3. Advanced the bad leg (with partial or non-weight-bearing)
4. Weight is shifted onto the crutches and partially to the affected extremity, and the good leg
advances.
5. Cycle is repeated.

SWING-TO GAIT PATTERN 2 1 0 Remarks

1. From the starting point, advance both crutches forward.
2. Swing or move both legs forward.
3. Place both feet near the crutches placement so all the four points are aligned.
4. Cycle is repeated.

SWING-THROUGH GAIT PATTERN 2 1 0 Remarks

1. From the starting point, advance both crutches forward.
2. Swing or move both legs forward.
3. Place both feet just pass the crutches placement.
4. Cycle is repeated.

STAIR-CLIMBING TECHNIQUES: 2 1 0 Remarks

1. Climb stairs using the stronger leg first. Shift weight to the stronger leg.
2. Bring the crutches to the level of the stronger leg together with the weaker leg.
3. Repeat to climb stairs. This requires time, balance, and strength.
 NOTRE DAME OF JOLO COLLEGE
HEALTH SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
7400, JOLO, SULU
DESCENDING STAIRS TECHNIQUES: 2 1 0 Remarks
1. Support the body with the stronger leg.
2. Move the crutches down to the first descending step and move the weaker leg down.
4. Move the stronger leg to the first descending step.
5. Repeat to descend the staircase. This requires time, balance, and strength

SITTING IN A CHAIR: 2 1 0 Remarks

1. Stand in front of a chair.
2. Hold the crutches on the side with the weaker leg.
3. Grasp the chair arm using the arm on the side of the stronger leg.
4. Flex knees and hips to sit in chair.
5. Reposition self in chair using arms and stronger leg while sitting.

RISING FROM THE CHAIR: 2 1 0 Remarks

1. Move forward in chair, placing strongest leg on the floor.
2. Grasp the chair arm on the same side of the stronger leg.
3. Hold the crutches with the hand on the side of the weaker leg.
4. Use the chair arm and crutches for support while rising.
5. Once standing, place the crutches in the position for ambulation.
6. Weak clients may need assistance. The gait belt is useful in such situations.

GAIT PATTERNS FOR USE OF WALKERS

PROPER FIT 2 1 0 Remarks

Height:
 Each leg should be adjusted at the lower part of the walker according to the patient’s height.
Hand grips:
 Should be even with wrist crease when the patient holds their arms down at their side.
 The elbows should be slightly flexed at about 15°-30° angle when holding the hand grips.

STARTING POSITION 2 1 0 Remarks

 The back tips of the walker should match up with the middle of the foot.

FULL WEIGHT BEARING: 2 1 0 Remarks

1. The walker is picked up and moved forward about an arm’s length.
2. The first leg is moved forward.
3. The second leg is moved forward past the first.
4. The cycle is repeated.

PARTIAL WEIGHT-BEARING: 2 1 0 Remarks

1. The walker is picked up and moved forward about an arm’s length
2. The bad leg is moved forward about an arm’s length
3. The good leg is moved forward past the involved limb.
4. The cycle is repeated

N0N-WEIGHT BEARING 2 1 0 Remarks

1. The walker is picked up and moved forward about the arm’s length
2. Weight is then transferred through the upper extremities and to the walker. The bad leg is held
anterior to the patient’s body but does not make contact with the floor.
3. The good leg is moved forward
4. The cycle is repeated

ABDULMAJED I. NASALUDDIN, RN, MAN SCORE: __________________

Clinical Instructor