Gait Training: Overcoming Mobility Challenges
Gait training is an important aspect of physiotherapy. Gait or human locomotion
is produced by coordinated movements of body segments as a whole. It is the
forward progression of the body, based on the reciprocal movements of the legs.
A normal human gait requires muscle power in the legs, trunk stability,
proprioception, balance and vision. Pathological gait may be due to neurological
or orthopaedic causes.
Reasons For Pathological Gait :
Importance of Gait Training
Gait training is important to correct the abnormal patterns during locomotion.
It requires a complete assessment of the gait deviation cause based on
determinants of gait analysis. Gait training includes
Walker Ambulation
Ambulation with Quadripod
Ambulation with Walking Stick
3 Different Patterns of Crutch Gait
Four – Point Gait
When both the legs of the person are weak.
Pattern : Right crutch – left foot, left crutch-right foot.
Three – Point Gait
When the person can’t bear weight on one leg.
Pattern : Both crutches first. Then the affected
leg.
Tour – Point Gait
When the person can bear weight from hip to toes.
Pattern : Right foot-left crutch, left foot-right
crutch.
