although unstable,straight cane forambulation. Her gait deviations were more exaggerated with the use of a straight cane. She was able to ambulate about 20 ft without grasping an item of furniture for additional support. Her newly acquired fear of faling prevented her from independently ambulating outside of her apartment. She preferred to remain inside her apartment and to ambulate as little as possible.Functionally,the patient could not stand from a low or cushioned chair,nor ascend a curb or a flight of stairs.