What level of assistance is indicated when a therapist guides one limb of the patient?

When a therapist guides one limb of the patient, it signifies that the patient requires some support but is still able to contribute significantly to the movement. This situation typically illustrates minimal assist. In this context, the therapist may provide just enough guidance or support to ensure safety, while encouraging the patient to actively participate in the movement. It reflects a collaborative approach to therapy where the patient retains a considerable degree of control and strength in the task being performed.

In contrast, other types of assistance, like modified independent, would imply that the patient can perform the task with some modifications but without any direct assistance from the therapist. Contact guard would indicate that the therapist is standing close to the patient and may provide assistance if needed, which does not quite capture the nuance of actively guiding movement. Supervision implies oversight without any physical support, which doesn't apply in a scenario where the therapist is actively guiding limb movement. Thus, minimal assist is the most accurate descriptor for this level of assistance.