For a patient with partial weight bearing on one leg, describe the common gait pattern used with a walker.

• A. Two-point gait: the walker and opposite leg move together.
• B. Four-point gait: four limbs move one at a time.
• C. Three-point gait: the walker is advanced first, followed by the affected leg, then the unaffected leg, with weights bearing as prescribed.
• D. Swing-to gait: both legs move forward with support.

Answer: (C)

When a patient can bear only part of their weight on one leg, the walker-based pattern used is three-point gait. The walker provides the primary support, so you advance the walker first to establish a stable base. Then you move the affected leg forward, placing it in the step as tolerated, followed by the unaffected leg. This sequence keeps most of the load through the arms and the walker, while the injured leg bears weight only as prescribed. It offers maximal stability and safety during walking with a walker, which is especially important when weight bearing on the involved leg is limited. Other gait patterns either require more weight bearing on the legs or involve different sequencing that isn’t as safe or practical for partial weight bearing.