1. Carter Physical Therapy
Gait Training + Assistive Devices
Presented by: Larry Carter P.T.

2. Purpose NWB (non weight bearing) PWB (partial weight bearing)
Become familiar/competent in measuring assistive devices: cane, crutches, walkers for patients.
Become familiar/competent instructing patients using devices for gait in:
NWB (non weight bearing)
PWB (partial weight bearing)
WBAT (weight bearing as tolerated)
Become familiar/competent in gait patterns:
2 point
3 point
4 point
Step-to
Step through
Become familiar/competent in device use ( cane/crutch) for advanced gait patterns

3. How to Measure Cane Crutches Walker
Measure from wrist band, 6” in front 6” to side of the unaffected side
Crutches
Measure from axilla 2” below axilla
Handles: elbow 15-20° flexed position (triceps)
Walker
Measure height from handles to elbow flexion at 15-20° of flexion to use triceps/shoulder depressors.

4. Gait Cane 2 point gait 3 point gait
Cane (wear on opposite side affected lower extremity) with affected lower extremity using step to or step through
3 point gait
Cane (affected/weak lower extremity) the unaffected/stronger leg use step-to or step through

5. Gait Crutches 2 point: 2 crutches 3 point: 2 crutches
R crutch with left lower
L crutch with right lower
3 point: 2 crutches
Both crutches affected leg
Unaffected either step-to OR step through
4 point: 2 crutches
Sequence- Example: affected left lower extremity
R crutch -> L lower extremity -> L crutch -> R lower extremity

6. Gait Walker 2 point 3 point Usually NWB gait- walker, then strong leg
Usually PWB > WVAT- walker, then affected leg or strong leg: Step-to OR step through

7. Rules for Gait Know the weight bearing status!
Know the device the patient uses is safe for their ability
Know their balance
Know their endurance
Know their environment needs