A walker is an assistive device that provides the patient with a wide base of support, increased anterior and lateral stability, and a reduction in weight bearing on one or both lower extremities . The walker is the most stable ambulatory assistive device for home use, especially when weight-bearing restrictions are applied.
Four-point gait and two-point gait patterns always require two assistive devices such as two crutches or two canes.
The two-point gait sequence is the closest to the normal gait pattern and allows for natural arm and leg motion during the gait cycle.The two-point gait offers good support and stability from two opposing points of contact; however, it requires coordination. The patient can ambulate slightly faster with a two-point gait than a four-point gait, but the stability will be less with a two-point gait.
The referring physician (MD or DO) always determines the patient's weight-bearing (WB) status.
A three-point gait sequence pattern is also called a non-weight-bearing (NWB) gait. This type of gait can be taught to patients who have an NWB (non-weight-bearing) status, a PWB (partial weight-bearing) status, a WBAT (weight bearing as tolerated) status, or a TTWB (toe touch weight-bearing) status. A three-point gait can be done using assistive devices such as a walker or crutches.