Assistive Devices - Types & Safety pt. 2 Flashcards
pros of parallel bars
most supportive and easiest to learn, excellent for training
cons of parallel bars
can’t take with you, limit mobility
indications for parallel bars
training, pre-gait activities
pros of walkers
- high degree of stability
- easy to learn and use
- easiest to reduce weight bearing, many designs
cons of walkers
- cumbersome
- difficult for stairs
- reduce speed of ambulation
- difficult to store and transport
indications for walkers
decreased weight bearing and/or impaired balance or stability
pros of crutches
- allow greater selection of gait patterns
- increased ambulation speed
- easier to use in crowded areas
- fair stability
- good for stairs
cons of crutches
- fair stability
- axillary compression
- requires good balance
- good UE and trunk strength
indications for crutches
- reduced WB status
- good UE and trunk strength
- good coordination
pros of forearm crutches
- highly adaptable
- no pressure on axillary vessels or nerves
- easy to store and transport
cons of forearm crutches
- less stable than a. crutches
- requires functional balance
- UE and trunk strength
- better options if decreased WB is required
indications for forearm crutches
pt’s with functional balance and strength that require increased access to the environment
pros of canes
- max access to environment
- lots of options for increased or decreased stability
- easy on stairs
- easy to transport
cons of canes
- better options to limit weight bearing
- little support
- small BoS
indications for canes
pt that have mild weight bearing or stability deficits
AD listed in order of most support to least support
parallel bars standard walker roller walker axillary crutches forearm crutches two canes one cane
general guidelines for fitting AD
- handle at level of the ulnar styloid process
- elbow flexion should be 20-30 degrees when gripping
- confirm fit
fit for parallel bars
- 20-25 degrees elbow flexion
- bars 6in anterior to hips
- bars 2in wider than the pt’s greater trochanters
fit for canes
- 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
fit for axillary crutches
- 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
fit for forearm crutches
- 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
fit for walker
- 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
common errors
- 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
