Assistive Device for Walking

Assistive Devices for Walking

Canes
Walkers
Crutches
Canes
Canes
Lightweight, easily movable devices
Waist-high and made of wood or metal
2 types: Single straight and the quad cane
Single canes should be kept on the stronger side of the body
Quad cane is used by client’s with partial or complete leg paralysis
Used by patient with decreased leg strength

Canes
Client places the cane forward 6 to 10 inches, keeping body weight on both legs
Weaker leg is moved forward first so that body weight is divided between the cane and stronger leg

Canes
Stronger leg is then advanced past the cane, body weight is now supported by the cane
During walking, client must observe these steps
Walkers
Walkers
Extremely light, movable devices that are waist high and made of metal tubing
Has four widely spaced sturdy legs
The client holds the handgrips on the upper bars, takes a step, moves the walker forward and takes another step
Crutches
Crutches
A wooden or metal staff
Short-term use: Damage to ligaments of knee
Long-term use: Paralysis of the lower extremity
Proper measurement of crutches is essential before client use
2 types:
Lofstrand or forearm crutch
Axillary crutch
Measuring for Crutches
Measuring for Crutches
Measurement should include client’s height, the angle of elbow flexion and the distance between the crutch pad and the axilla
Handgrips should be positioned so that the client’s weight is not supported by the axilla
Measuring for Crutches
3 to 4 fingerwidths distance from the crutch pad and the axilla should be present
6 inches lateral from the clients heel
Usually measured while the patient is lying supine with the aid of a measuring tape
Crutch Gait
Crutch Gait
Four-point gait
Three-point gait
Two-point gait
Swing-to or swing through gait
Ascending and descending stairs
Four- point gait
Advance right crutch, then left foot, then left crutch, then right foot




Places weight on legs while crutches provide stability; there are always three points
Three-point Gait
Advance both crutches and affected extremity at same time, then advance unaffected extremity




Place weight in unaffected leg and crutches, with light weight on affected leg
Two-Point Gait
Advance right crutch and left foot together, then left foot and right crutch together





Places partial weight on both legs
Swing-to or swing through gait
Advance both crutches at same time and swing body forward to crutches or pass them.





Provides additional stability for clients with bilateral leg disability
Ascending or Descending Stairs Using Crutches
Instruct client to ascend stairs by leading with unaffected leg
Crutches and affected leg follow together when ascending.
Crutches and affected leg lead and the unaffected leg follows when descending

Ascending and Descending Stairs
Remember:” Up with the good, down with the bad”.