Assistive devices/add ons

Question 1

which patients would you use a walker with?

Answer 1

generalized weakness, debilitating conditions, need to reduce weight bearing on 1/2 LEs, poor balance or inability to use crutches.

Question 2

Ring walkers

Answer 2

for pts who have adequate LE support but lack adequate trunk support

not collapsible

Question 3

Adduction boards

Answer 3

suspended from frame of walker to prevent LE from adducting during swing phase

Question 4

Reciprocal walker

Answer 4

each side of walker is advanced independently

pt lacks strength/balance to lift walker

Question 5

Reverse walker

Answer 5

often used by children

encourages erect posture

Question 6

Advantage of lofstrand crutches over axillary crutches

Answer 6

more ease of movement
cuff allows pt to use hands for manipulating environment (pts requiring long term use of crutches)

must have good trunk stability

Question 7

Who uses canes?

Answer 7

pts with slight weakness of LE or need slight weight reduction or assistance w/ balance

Question 8

Can cane be used for partial weightbearing?

Answer 8

yes in hand opposite involved LE to increase BOS & decrease muscle work necessary to stabilize pelvis in stance phase

Question 9

When are 2 canes used?

Answer 9

bilateral involvement or balance