Assistive Devices - Types & Safety pt. 2

Question 1

pros of parallel bars

Answer 1

most supportive and easiest to learn, excellent for training

Question 2

cons of parallel bars

Answer 2

can’t take with you, limit mobility

Question 3

indications for parallel bars

Answer 3

training, pre-gait activities

Question 4

pros of walkers

Answer 4

• high degree of stability
• easy to learn and use
• easiest to reduce weight bearing, many designs

Question 5

cons of walkers

Answer 5

• cumbersome
• difficult for stairs
• reduce speed of ambulation
• difficult to store and transport

Question 6

indications for walkers

Answer 6

decreased weight bearing and/or impaired balance or stability

Question 7

pros of crutches

Answer 7

• allow greater selection of gait patterns
• increased ambulation speed
• easier to use in crowded areas
• fair stability
• good for stairs

Question 8

cons of crutches

Answer 8

• fair stability
• axillary compression
• requires good balance
• good UE and trunk strength

Question 9

indications for crutches

Answer 9

• reduced WB status
• good UE and trunk strength
• good coordination

Question 10

pros of forearm crutches

Answer 10

• highly adaptable
• no pressure on axillary vessels or nerves
• easy to store and transport

Question 11

cons of forearm crutches

Answer 11

• less stable than a. crutches
• requires functional balance
• UE and trunk strength
• better options if decreased WB is required

Question 12

indications for forearm crutches

Answer 12

pt’s with functional balance and strength that require increased access to the environment

Question 13

pros of canes

Answer 13

• max access to environment
• lots of options for increased or decreased stability
• easy on stairs
• easy to transport

Question 14

cons of canes

Answer 14

• better options to limit weight bearing
• little support
• small BoS

Question 15

indications for canes

Answer 15

pt that have mild weight bearing or stability deficits

Question 16

AD listed in order of most support to least support

Answer 16

parallel bars
standard walker
roller walker
axillary crutches 
forearm crutches 
two canes
one cane

Question 17

general guidelines for fitting AD

Answer 17

• handle at level of the ulnar styloid process
• elbow flexion should be 20-30 degrees when gripping
• confirm fit

Question 18

fit for parallel bars

Answer 18

• 20-25 degrees elbow flexion
• bars 6in anterior to hips
• bars 2in wider than the pt’s greater trochanters

Question 19

fit for canes

Answer 19

• hand grip should be at level of ulnar styloid process
• tip of cane positioned at 45 degrees anterior and lateral
• elbow should flex 20-30 degrees when the pt grips the hand grip

Question 20

fit for axillary crutches

Answer 20

• when relaxed, handle at wrist and tip of crutch at 45 degrees anterior and lateral
• elbow flexed 20-30 degrees when the pt grips the hand grip
• therapist should be able to fit 2-3 fingers in the axilla btw the axillary pad and axilla

Question 21

fit for forearm crutches

Answer 21

• when relaxed, handle at wrist and tip of crutch at 45 degrees anterior and lateral
• elbow flexed 20-30 degrees when the pt grips the hand grip
• cuffs as high on forearm but not on elbow
• cuff should not bind, but should stay on the arm when pt releases hand grip

Question 22

fit for walker

Answer 22

• when relaxed, handle at wrist and tip of crutch at 45 degrees anterior and lateral
• elbow flexed 20-30 degrees when the pt grips the hand grip

Question 23

common errors

Answer 23

• measurements not adjusted for postural imbalances in upright positions
• measurements do not account for footwear
• measurements not confirmed in standing
• optimal resting standing position is not maintained during measurements