Assistive Devices - Types and Safety

Question 1

full weight bearing

Answer 1

all of weight on limb

Question 2

weight bearing as tolerated

Answer 2

WBAT

“allowed” to put full weight, but person may not be able to due to pain or weakness

Question 3

partial weight bearing

Answer 3

PWB
some of weight on limb
percentage

Question 4

touch down or toe touch weight bearing

Answer 4

• TDWB/TTWB
• little to no weight is put through the leg
• foot or toes are on ground more for balance than to bear weight

Question 5

non weight bearing

Answer 5

• NWB
• no weight is put through limb
• limb is not touching the ground

Question 6

independent

Answer 6

completes task without assistance or device

Question 7

modified independence

Answer 7

completes task without assistance but uses some sort of assistive device

Question 8

supervision

Answer 8

no physical assistance is needed, but requires cueing

Question 9

contact guard

Answer 9

• CTG or CG

- no physical assist is needed, but hands are on the individual “just in case” or for manual cues

Question 10

minimal assist

Answer 10

min A

pt performs more than 75 % effort

Question 11

moderate assist

Answer 11

mod A

pt performs 25-74% effort

Question 12

maximal assist

Answer 12

max A

pt performs <25 % effort

Question 13

total assist or dependent

Answer 13

pt performs 0%

Question 14

indications for using assistive devices

Answer 14

• correct gait deviation
• pain
• limited weight bearing
• balance issues
• promote or assist with healing
• sensory or coordination impairment
• structural deformity
• muscle weakness or paralysis
• fear

Question 15

biomechanical effects of ADs

Answer 15

• increase BoS
• provides a larger “cone of stability” where the CoG can shift without loss of balance
• redistribution of support within wider BoS

Question 16

if NWB, TTWB or PWB what device do you use

Answer 16

a two handed device

Question 17

only WBAT or FWB can use what

Answer 17

one handed device

Question 18

why are we concerned about ROM and strength for ambulating with assistive devices?

Answer 18

need to make sure available ROM/strength is there to walk with a certain device

Question 19

selection of device

Answer 19

medical status 
balance 
cognitive status
overall mobility 
home environment 
etc.