Giffords standing on own, trying to improve gait

PHOENIX (AP) - Doctors treating Rep. Gabrielle Giffords tell The Arizona Republic that the congresswoman can stand on her own and walk a little, and is even working to improve her gait.

Dr. Gerard Francisco says the Arizona congresswoman is able to make limited use of her right arm and leg.

Francisco - the chief medical officer at Houston's TIRR Memorial Hermann where Giffords has been recovering - says that's a common effect of a bullet wound on the left side of the brain.

The Republic report Sunday contains interviews with people close to her and gives the latest picture of her recovery 15 weeks after a gunman opened fire in a Tucson parking lot, killing six people and wounding 13 others, including Giffords.

The newspaper said doctor overseeing her rehabilitation places her in the top 5 percent of patients recovering from her type of brain injury.