What does a protective gait pattern, termed antalgic gait, primarily aim to do?

An antalgic gait is characterized by a protective gait pattern primarily aimed at minimizing discomfort or pain during the act of walking. When an individual experiences pain, often due to an injury, illness, or any condition affecting the lower extremities, they will instinctively alter their gait to alleviate that pain.

The focus of an antalgic gait is to decrease the stance time on the affected limb. This adjustment helps the individual avoid placing weight on the painful area, thereby reducing discomfort. By doing so, the individual compensates for the pain and maintains mobility while attempting to protect the injured or affected part of the body.

While an antalgic gait may also lead to slower walking speeds or adjustments in balance, the primary goal is to avoid weight bearing on the hurting limb, which is best captured by the emphasis on reducing the stance time in order to alleviate pain during ambulation.