Assistive Devices

Assistive Devices

Walking Aids

A person learning to walk again after an injury usually starts with parallel bars. It gives the most support. As he improves he can progress to a walking frame, then crutches, a tripod and a stick. Or he may only need one type of aid.

I. Parallel Bars

Parallel bars really help people who need 2 assistants to walk. It is best to have the height width of the parallel bars adjustable. The height of the person’s greater trochanter is a good basis for the height of the parallel bars.

When gait training inside the parallel bars, assistants should stand close to the patient and have a chair with arms ready in case the person gets tired and needs to rest.

II. Walker

Walkerhelps problems with balance and weakness. They give less support than parallel bars. To use a walking frame, the person must be able to pick it up and place it. This kind of frame can be used on rough ground.

III. Crutches

Crutches are used for weakness or pain in the legs or for hopping on one leg. They are less stable than walking frame.

Axillary crutches are useful for people who have strong arms.

Elbow crutches give support and stability, and also allow hands to be free for use. You need strong arms to use them.

How to walk with crutches

1.Step to/ Step Through Gait (for single leg amputees with or without a prosthesis)

a. First move the assistive device forward about 30 cm.

b. Step forward with the residual limb / prosthesis. Land it between the assistive devices.

c. Lift the good leg and step to or past the assistive device.

2.Reciprocating Gait

a. First move one assistive device forward about 30 cm and the lower leg opposite to it (Left assistive device and rightleg forward)

b. Step forward with the residual limb / prosthesis, together with the assistive device opposite to it. Land it between the assistive devices. (Rightassistive device and left assistive leg forward)

This should look like normal walking.

3.Standing up

- Place one hand on the chair, while the other hand holds both crutches.

- Stand up on the unaffected leg, keeping the affected leg off the ground.

- Place one crutch in each hand and walk.

4.Sitting down

• Turn so that the back faces the chair.
• Take both crutches in one hand and place the other hand on the chair.
• Sit down.

5.Going up and down stairs

Up stairs Down stairs

Parts of axillary crutches

IV. Sticks

Sticks are useful when a person has one painful or weak leg or has trouble balancing. They provide less support than crutches, so strong walking muscles are needed in both legs. The height of the stick should be at the level of the wrist when the arm is held to the side. Always remember to check the quality of the rubber stopper on the tip of the stick to stop it slipping on smooth floors or wet surfaces.

How to walk with one stick

If using one stick, hold it in the hand opposite to the affected leg. To walk, thestick and the affected leg are moving together.

How to walk with two stick

If using two sticks, move the right stick with the left leg, the left stick with the right leg.

Quad stick and tripod stick

The quad stick has four feet and the tripod has three feet. These provide more stability than the simple walking stick. They are used by people with poor balance, particularly those with brain damage who are unable to use walking frame because one arm is paralysed.

Reference: Hobbs L., McDonough S., & O’Callaghan A (2002) Life After Injury. TWN, Penang