Assistive Devices

Question 1

types of assistive devices

Answer 1

• Cane
• Crutches
• Walkers (standard, 4 wheel. front wheel, hemiwalker, and platform walker)

Question 2

Cane info

Answer 2

• least stable of all the assistive devices
• Mostly used for balance, minor weight bearing off loading for pain management.
• Cane should be used on the strong side

Question 3

how much body weight can a cane unload

Answer 3

10 - 30 % of body weight

Question 4

Cane measurement

Answer 4

• be sure the patient is in a safe position before adjusting the cane
• pt is standing in a relaxed posture; handle of cone should line up with the wrist crease (ulnar styloid process)
• 20 to 30 degree bend in the elbow

Question 5

Crutches

Answer 5

• more stable then a cane
• can offload and be used for PWB and NWB pts
• different types of crutches can be used for different upper limb strength

Question 6

types of crutches

Answer 6

standard (axillary) and forearm (lofstrand)

Question 7

Axillary crutch measurement

Answer 7

• pt should be in the most erect posture
• the top of the crutch should be 3 fingers below the axillary fold
• Bottom end of the crutch should be shoulder width apart
• hand grip at line of the ulnar styloid process
• forearm cuff should be 2 inches distal to tip of the olecranon process when the hand is in the handgrip
• Elbow should be flexed approximately 30 degrees when the hands are on the handgrips

Question 8

Pros of using a walker

Answer 8

• most stable, gives the most support to the pt, can offload the most weight from the affected limb

Question 9

cons of using a walker

Answer 9

• cumbersome and some pts feel it makes them look “old”

Question 10

standard walker pro

Answer 10

very stable, can slow the impulsive pt down, can be used with weight bearing restrictions, pain and weakness

Question 11

standard walker con

Answer 11

bulky, heavy, inhibits normal gait pattern, cen get in the way of an impulsive pt, demand more energy than front wheeled

Question 12

front wheeled walker pro

Answer 12

smooth, allows for more normal gait pattern, more energy efficient, can be used with weight bearing restrictions, pain, and weakness

Question 13

front wheeled walker cons

Answer 13

a little less stable than standard, walker can “get away” from the pt

Question 14

walker measurement

Answer 14

pt stands inside of the walker, the ulnar styloid process should be in line with the handles of the walker

Question 15

4- wheeled walker (rollator)

Answer 15

not a stable assistive device, good for poor endurance because pt can sit down, easy to maneuver, large wheels make it easier to use outdoors, not able to use with weight bearing precautions

Question 16

hemi walker

Answer 16

• used most commonly with stroke pts
• used with individuals that have fractured arm or has to have their arm in a sling but also requires assistance from a walker