Mobility

Question 1

Purpose of orthotics (3)

Answer 1

1. Provide support & stability for a joint
2. Prevent deformity
3. Replace lost function

Question 2

What’s a supramalleolar orthosis? What’s its function?

Answer 2

Made of plastic & fits into shoe. Supports the foot (medial-lateral support @ the ankle, rear foot alignment during gait)

Question 3

What’s a ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)? What’s its function?

Answer 3

Made of plastic, fits into show & extends up the back of the leg. AKA Drop Foot Splint - supports dorsiflexion due to central or peripheral nerve lesions

Question 4

What’s a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO)? What’s its function?

Answer 4

May be recommended for ct’s with knee weakness or hyperextension, or with foot problems. Dx may include paraplegia, CP, Spina Bifida

Question 5

What’s a hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (HKAFO)? What’s its function? What’s a special type? Drawbacks?

Answer 5

For ct’s with SC lesions or spina bifida involving the hip
Reciprocating gait orthosis help advance the hip in the presence of hip flexor weakness
Use a lot of energy, UE needed with walkers, crutches, etc. May be more efficient & safer to perform some tasks in seated or in wheelchair

Question 6

Purpose of ambulation aids (4)

Answer 6

1. Compensate for deficit in balance & strength
   2, Decrease pain
2. Decrease weight bearing on involved joint (help w. fx healing)
3. Use din absence of LE

Question 7

Single point cane: Purpose, dx helpful with

Answer 7

1. Used w/ ct’s with minor balance problems by widening base of support & providing sensory feedback
2. For ct’s w/ painful knee or hip, used on the contralateral side to reduce loading on the painful hip

Question 8

Crutches

Answer 8

for short term use

allow ambulation with one or two legs have weight bearing restriction

Question 9

Forearm crutches - AKA? Benefits?

Answer 9

Lofstrand or Canadian crutches
Better for mobility, lighter
Use for people with severe leg weakness

Question 10

Wheelchair Assessment: Ct Factors to Consider (4)

Answer 10

1. Physical status (dx, prognosis, & current/future probs)
2. Sensation
3. Cognitive function
4. Visual & perceptual skills

Question 11

Wheelchair Assessment: Options to consider (7)

Answer 11

1. Propulsion
2. Rent vs buy
3. Manual vs power
4. Manual recline vs Power recline vs Tilt
5. Folding vs rigid
6. Lightweight vs standard
7. Standard vs custom

Question 12

Weight of a folding wc frame

Answer 12

28-50lbs

Question 13

Weight of a rigid wc frame

Answer 13

20-35lbs

Question 14

What’s considered a lightweight wc?

Answer 14

Under 35lbs

Question 15

What’s considered a standard wc?

Answer 15

Over 35lbs

Question 16

Wheelchair Measurements: Seat Width - Objectives (2)

Answer 16

1. Distribute the ct’s weight over the widest possible surface
2. Keep the overall width of the chair as narrow as possible

Question 17

Wheelchair Measurements: Seat Width - Measurement (2)

Answer 17

1. Measure the individual across the widest part of the thighs or hips while the ct is sitting in a chair comparable to the anticipated wheelchair. 2. Then add 1/2 to 1 inch on each side of the hip or thigh measurement taken.

Question 18

Wheelchair Measurements: Seat Depth - Objectives (2)

Answer 18

1. Distribute weight along sitting surface from buttocks to thighs (just behind the knees)
2. Want to distribute weight along entire length to minimize pressure sores

Question 19

Wheelchair Measurements: Seat Depth - Measurement (3)

Answer 19

1. Measure from the base of the back to the inside of the bent knee
2. Seat edge should be 1-2” less than this measurement
3. Back of knee should not make contact with the seat

Question 20

Wheelchair Measurements: Seat Height - Objectives (2)

Answer 20

1. Support body weight while maintaining thighs parallel ro floor
2. Elevate foot plates to provide ground clearance

Question 21

Wheelchair Measurements: Seat Height - Measurement (3)

Answer 21

1. Seat heigh is determined by measuring from the top of the wheelchair frame supporting the seat to the floor, &
2. from the ct’s popliteal fossa to the bottom of the heel
3. Ct’s thighs are kept parallel to the floor & lowest point of footrests 2” clearance

Question 22

Wheelchair Measurements: Back Height - Objectives (2)

Answer 22

1. Low enough for maximal function

2. High enough for maximal support

Question 23

Wheelchair Measurements: Back Height - Measurement (2)

Answer 23

FULL SUPPORT
1. Measure from top of seat from to top of user’s shoulders
MINIMUM SUPPORT
2. Top of back upholstery is below the inferior angle of the client’s scapulae - permits free arm mvmt, no rubbing, & provide good total body alignment

Question 24

Wheelchair Measurements: Armrest Height - Objectives (2)

Answer 24

1. Maintain balance & posture
2. Provide support & proper alignment of UE
3. Allow change in position by pushing down on armrests

Question 25

Wheelchair Measurements: Armrest Height - Measurement (2)

Answer 25

1. Measure from wheelchair frame (seat post) to bottom of c’s bent elbow.
2. Height of the armrest should be 1” higher than the height from the seat post to the ct’s elbow

Question 26

Weight restrictions - Standard wheelchair?

Answer 26

Standard wheelchairs are rated for up to 250lbs

Question 27

Weight restrictions - Bariatric wheelchair?

Answer 27

Rated up to 500lbs

Question 28

What’s considered a narrow wheelchair width?

Answer 28

16” wide

Question 29

What’s considered a standard wheelchair width?

Answer 29

18” wide

Question 30

What’s considered a bariatric wheelchair width?

Answer 30

20” wide