If a patient is not propelling themselves forward, what is this type of gait called?

The type of gait where a patient is not propelling themselves forward is referred to as an apropulsive gait. This term specifically indicates a lack of the necessary forward propulsion that allows for normal movement in walking. Patients exhibiting this type of gait may have various underlying issues, such as weakness, neurological conditions, or musculoskeletal problems, that prevent them from initiating or maintaining forward movement effectively.

Normal gait is characterized by a smooth and coordinated pattern of movement, while antalgic gait typically presents as a protective measure taken due to pain, causing the individual to favor one leg over the other. Spastic gait is associated with conditions like cerebral palsy, characterized by stiffness and awkward movements. In contrast, apropulsive gait specifically highlights the absence of propulsion, making it the precise descriptor for the situation described.