Which crutch gaits require that the patient use the shoulders and arms to move?

The crutch gait which requires shoulder and arm movements are gaits assisted with underarm crutches – the swing-to gait and swing-through gait.

Explanation:

A crutch gait is assisted walking with the help of crutches due to an injury.  

Axillary or underarm crutches like swing-to gait and swing-through crutches transfer weight from the injured leg to the upper part of the body like the shoulder or arms.  

Both these gaits are done by placing the crutch under the arms, with the elbow in the extended position, fingers holding the crutches, the shoulder and upper arm moving along with the crutches to swing the uninjured leg and to walk along with the crutches.

Since the patient can weight bear only on one leg and to some extent on the injured leg, both these gaits require good shoulder and upper arm strength as well as good balance and coordination to walk with the crutches.

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