What is the four-point gait sequence?

What is the four-point gait sequence?

• A. AD -> Affected LE -> AD -> Unaffected LE
• B. AD -> Unaffected LE -> AD -> Affected LE
• C. AD -> Affected LE -> Unaffected LE -> AD
• D. AD -> Unaffected LE -> Affected LE -> AD

Answer: (A)

Four-point gait keeps four points of ground contact by alternating a crutch and the opposite leg, then the other crutch and the other leg. You start by advancing one crutch, usually on the unaffected side, then bring forward the leg opposite that crutch (the leg that’s affected), then move the second crutch, and finally advance the remaining leg. So the sequence is crutch on the unaffected side → affected leg → other crutch → unaffected leg. This pattern maintains stability with four points on the ground at all times. If you started with the crutch on the affected side, the leg order would mirror, but the essential idea remains: you alternate crutch and contralateral leg, ending with a leg.

Four-point gait keeps four points of ground contact by alternating a crutch and the opposite leg, then the other crutch and the other leg. You start by advancing one crutch, usually on the unaffected side, then bring forward the leg opposite that crutch (the leg that’s affected), then move the second crutch, and finally advance the remaining leg. So the sequence is crutch on the unaffected side → affected leg → other crutch → unaffected leg. This pattern maintains stability with four points on the ground at all times.

If you started with the crutch on the affected side, the leg order would mirror, but the essential idea remains: you alternate crutch and contralateral leg, ending with a leg.