A physical therapist is teaching a patient with T8 AIS A SCI to ambulate with bilateral KAFOs and a rolling walker. The patient is instructed to assume a posture with hips extended behind the line of gravity, then simultaneously advance both feet past the walker by depressing the shoulders and swinging the body forward. Which gait pattern is being described?

A physical therapist is teaching a patient with T8 AIS A SCI to ambulate with bilateral KAFOs and a rolling walker. The patient is instructed to assume a posture with hips extended behind the line of gravity, then simultaneously advance both feet past the walker by depressing the shoulders and swinging the body forward. Which gait pattern is being described?

• A. Two-point gait pattern
• B. Four-point reciprocal gait pattern
• C. Swing-through gait pattern
• D. Step-to gait pattern

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how the legs and assistive devices move in relation to each other when walking with KAFOs and a walker. The described sequence—keeping the hips behind the line of gravity, then with the arms bearing weight by depressing the shoulders and swinging the body forward so both feet move past the walker—is characteristic of a swing-through gait. In this pattern, the walker and upper limbs provide the primary support, and both legs are advanced forward beyond the level of the arms in unison by shifting weight through the trunk and arms. This contrasts with patterns where the legs and devices move in sequence (two-point or four-point reciprocal) or where the feet only reach the level of the walker (step-to).

The main idea here is how the legs and assistive devices move in relation to each other when walking with KAFOs and a walker. The described sequence—keeping the hips behind the line of gravity, then with the arms bearing weight by depressing the shoulders and swinging the body forward so both feet move past the walker—is characteristic of a swing-through gait. In this pattern, the walker and upper limbs provide the primary support, and both legs are advanced forward beyond the level of the arms in unison by shifting weight through the trunk and arms. This contrasts with patterns where the legs and devices move in sequence (two-point or four-point reciprocal) or where the feet only reach the level of the walker (step-to).