Mobility Aids

Question 1

What are AIDS used for?

Answer 1

Decrease weight taken through limbs 
Improve balance
Decrease risk of falling by increasing stability
Assist confidence and independence 
Short term and long term use

Question 2

Anatomical effects of aging are:

Answer 2

Weaker bones: osteoclasts more than osteoblasts
Decrease rate of renewal 
Decrease bone density and mineralisation
=Osteoporosis
Decreased muscle strength- especially upper limb
Joints less resistant 
Thinning of skin and reduced elasticity
Reduced vitamin d

Question 3

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a zimmer frame?

Answer 3

Disadvantages - doesn’t encourage normal gait pattern

Advantages - stable

Question 4

Advantage of rollators?

Answer 4

Can achieve normal gait

Question 5

What are specialised Zimmer frames and rollators?

Answer 5

Zf- fold up

Rollators- have breaks and shopping can go on them

Question 6

When are gutter frames used?

Answer 6

When people haven’t got upper limb strength

Question 7

What are the advantages of a wheeled delta frame?

Answer 7

Flatten down flat into car

Question 8

What type of crutches can you get?

Answer 8

Open
Closed
Axillary

Question 9

Evaluate closed cuff…

Answer 9

More stability

Cannot be realised quickly

Question 10

Summarise auxiliary crutches…

Answer 10

Disadvantages are that they are
heavy, 
difficult to adjust, 
harder to use 
Rub on chest wall

Question 11

What do you need to consider with axilla crutch?

Answer 11

3 fingers between axilla and crutch to avoid brachial plexus nerves from being damaged

6 inches lateral from feet

Pad at wrist level

Elbow slight bent at 15 degrees

Measure with footwear

Question 12

What do you need to consider with walking sticks?

Answer 12

Measure lying down or standing up

Measure from ulna styloid to floor

Question 13

What are Fischer sticks good for?

Answer 13

Arthritis hands
Weak grips
Comfortable

Question 14

Evaluate tripod and quadrapod…

Answer 14

Usually for cerebral palsy children - they have a lower COG

They are unstable as the have a long handle

Question 15

What are safety precautions with AIDS?

Answer 15

Check females
Check structure 
Check aid measurements
Check footwear
Measure when lying down or sitting upright
Check aid most appropriate
Ensure adequate instructions
Think about home environment
Are duplicate AIDS needed?
Avoid wet and icy conditions

Question 16

What are home precautions that need to be addressed?

Answer 16

Door frame width
Rugs and carpets
Steps
Frayed carpet
Bathroom access
Adequate lighting