When clinically analyzing a person’s gait, there are several features that merit attention. Among these, the number of beats (gait rhythm) that make up the gait cycle emerges as a key element that is easy to objectify, offering crucial information on walking ability. The walk can be in 2 or 3 beats.
The walking rhythm of a healthy person on even ground is commonly referred to as “two-step”. This cycle involves a right-foot support time followed by a left-foot support time. During observation, the movement unfolds harmoniously, following a regular sequence of “right – left – right – left” or “1-2-1-2”. The time interval between 1-2 and 2-1 remains constant.
Even with the addition of a crutch, a healthy person maintains synchronization between the movement of the crutch and that of the opposite leg. The rhythmic sequence persists, and the interval between 1-2 and 2-1 remains unchanged. The use of a crutch does not affect walking speed or fluidity.
For a person with significant motor disorders, particularly at the start of rehabilitation, walking may spontaneously evolve towards the “3-step gait rhythm” model. This cycle involves one beat for moving the cane, a second beat for moving one foot, and a third beat for moving the other foot. The sequence becomes “cane – left foot – right foot – cane – left foot – right foot” (for a cane held in the right hand), or “1-2-3-1-2-3”. The time spent double-standing on both feet is significantly prolonged, reflecting balance difficulties.
It’s interesting to note that even a healthy person, in tricky situations such as in the mountains, can adopt the three-step walk to ensure safety.
To facilitate early and spontaneous two-step walking, the use of a Wheeleo® may be a good idea. The Wheeleo®, with its constant support on the ground, offers additional support throughout the gait cycle, making walking more fluid, stable, rapid and comfortable. When observing a person who usually walks in three steps with a conventional cane, the sequence may spontaneously evolve into 2-step walking.
By adopting the Wheeleo®, patients respect their need to have two feet on the ground at all times, while regaining a more normal gait.
In conclusion, observation of the gait cycle provides valuable information on locomotor skills. Understanding the nuances between two-step and three-step gait rhythms enables us to adapt our interventions, facilitating rehabilitation and the maintenance of motor independence.
Please fill in this short form so that we can contact you to arrange a test.
