Unit 4: Ambulation Aids Flashcards
What are ambulation aids
Mobility aids designed to assist with ambulation (walking)
Why do many people decline use of ambulation aids
Perception that the aid acknowledges their disability
What are the 3 main categories of ambulation aid
Walking sticks
Crutches
Walking frames
What are rehabilitation aids
Devices that combine 2 of the main categories of ambulation aid e.g. wheeled walking sticks. Used under clinical supervision
What 3 general criteria for ambulation aids
Ease of use
Rehabilitation
Easy maintenance
Name the main walking stick designs
Standards (single point)
Tripod and quadripod
Which hand should a walking stick be held in if one leg is affected
In the hand of the unaffected side: increases the users base of support when the unaffected side if off the ground during swing phase
What do ling white sticks and long white sticks with a red band signify
White: blind
White with red band: blind and deaf
What are the 4 main segments of a walking stick
Handle
Neck
Shaft
Base
Describe the 2 main handle designs
Crook: hooked handle. Good for being hooked over furniture but not suitable for long term use.
Straight: usually seen on metal sticks, have either moulded or contoured handgrips.
What is the difference between moulded and contoured handgrips
Moulded: slightly shaped for comfort
Contoured: styled to fit the palmar contours of the hand
What is a benefit of a swan-neck shaped neck over a straight neck
Ensures that a vertical force applied to the handle passes through the base of single support stick when the shaft is upright
What distance are the push buttons/pins and holes intervals fitted on a metal walking stick
25mm apart
What are ferrules and why are they used
Rubber caps at the base of the walking stick. Prevent the stick from slipping
What are two other base designs and what are they used for
Folding ice spikes: used in icy conditions
Retractable base: retracts up during use and lowered when not in use to keep the stick upright
Give an advantage and a disadvantage of a folding single point stick
Benefit: useful for storage
Disadvantage: not easily used if poor coordination or painful/weak hands
What are some advantages of tripod/quadripod sticks
Increased base of support
User can let go without the stick falling over
What are the differences in the forces that can be applied to swan neck and straight neck handle tripod/quadripod desigsn
Swan neck: larger posterior horizontal forces, smaller anterior forces
Straight neck: larger anterior horizontal forces, smaller posterior forces
Disadvantages of tripod/quadripod sticks
Less manoeuvrable
May be unable to use on stairs
If used in the wrong hand/configuration the user may trip over the base
What are the 3 main types of crutch
Elbow
Forearm trough
Axillary
(Canadian: mixture of elbow and axillary)
What determines which crutch is used
The amount of load bearing required and the users upper body strength and balance
Elbow crutches have cuffs. What is the benefit of a closed cuff over an open on
Allows the crutch to be suspended from the forearm when the handle is released
What position should a forearm trough be set at
So that the elbow is at 90 degrees and the shoulder is not hunched
Why should the head of an axillary pad avoid pressing against the axilla
Can cause nerve palsy or axillary artery thrombosis
