Three-Point Gait or Two-Point Gait?

This comparative video illustrates the major differences between the use of a quad cane and that of the Wheeleo® in a patient with hemiparesis. The change in walking aid profoundly modifies gait dynamics and its efficiency.

With a Quad Cane: a Three-Phase Gait

The gait cycle is broken down into three distinct phases:

• Phase 1: moving the cane forward. The patient briefly stops in double support, with feet at the same level, to maximize balance.
• Phase 2: moving the right foot.
• Phase 3: moving the left foot.

The cycle then begins again in the same manner.

Intended advantage: this organization allows the patient to maintain two points of support on the ground at all times, addressing a fundamental need for security related to the stroke’s after-effects. She adapts her gait to remain stable.

Disadvantage: this gait pattern is slow, jerky, and energy-consuming, and deviates considerably from physiological gait. The compensation used limits autonomy and functional progression.

With the Wheeleo®: a Fluid Two-Phase Gait

The gait cycle is simplified into two phases, closer to a natural gait:

• Phase 1: moving the left foot.
• Phase 2: moving the right foot.

The Wheeleo® moves continuously, while offering stable support, without requiring stops between steps.

Advantage: the Wheeleo® allows for respecting the need for stability, while maintaining a fluid and symmetrical gait. The walking speed is significantly increased (tripled in this clinical case) and the gait becomes more functional.

Disadvantage: there is no systematic disadvantage. After a short period of apprehension

How Does She Manage to Triple Her Speed?

In this clinical case, the effect of the Wheeleo® is particularly striking. The patient triples her walking speed simply by switching from a quad cane to a Wheeleo®. She transitions from a 3-phase gait pattern to a 2-phase pattern, much closer to normal walking. Her gait becomes more fluid, more symmetrical, with a clear increase in step length and cadence. This improvement shows how a well-chosen walking aid can transform a patient’s autonomy and motor efficiency.

Key Takeaways

If your patient walks in three phases with their cane or walker, they are compensating for postural instability with a very decomposed organization. In many cases, trying a wheeled device, such as a two-handed walker or a Wheeleo®, can restore a more natural gait and stimulate motor automatisms.

To date, 90% of tripod or quad cane users could improve their gait with the Wheeleo®. The main barrier remains resistance to change, both in patients and therapists.

Would you like advice on choosing the right time to introduce the Wheeleo® in rehabilitation? I can help you analyze your patient’s profile.