Gait Aides

Question 1

A Cane can:

Answer 1

offloads 10-30% of body weight
- mostly be used for balance, or pain (offload)
- Hold cane on the strong side

Question 2

Types of canes

Answer 2

Single point
Tripod cane
Quad cane

Question 3

Crutches

Answer 3

• More stable than a cane
• Can be used for PWB & NWB partients
• Bottom end of the crutches should be more than shoulder width apart

Question 4

Axillary Crutches Measurement

Answer 4

Should be 3 finger or 10cm below the axillary fold

Cue for patient: “squeeze the crutches to your rib cage”

Question 5

Forearm Crutches measurement

Answer 5

Forearm Cuff: 3 fingers width below elbow
Handgrip: sould be at wrist height

Question 6

Walker

Answer 6

Pro: most stable, gives support to the patient, can OFFLOAD THE MOST weight from the affected limb
Cons: can be cobersome for patient (consider their true need)

Question 7

Standard Walker Pros

Answer 7

Slows down a patient with
- cognitive issues
- impuslivity

Question 8

Standard Walker Cons

Answer 8

Bulky, inhibits normal gait pattern, can demand more energy than a front wheeled walker

Question 9

Front wheeled walker Pros

Answer 9

smooth allows for a more normal gait pattern, more energy efficient, CAN BE USED W/ WEIGHT BEARING RESTRICTIONS

Question 10

Front wheeled walker Cons

Answer 10

can potentially “get away” from my patient

Question 11

4 Wheeled Walker (Rollator)

Answer 11

Good for poor endurance.
Not able to use with PWB or NWB precautions

Question 12

Hemi walker

Answer 12

• used with individuals that have had a stroke
• used with individuals that have fractured arm or needs to have their arm in a sling (but requires the assistance of a walker)