Week 2 Flashcards
Why do we use gait aids?
1) Support/posture
2) Structural support (amputation)
3) Weakness
4) Balance (ex:cane) (increase in balance of support)
True or false: Gait aids stay with the affected side.
True
True or False: Assistive devices (such as a cane) stay with the affected side.
False
- Assistive device (cane) opposite affected side
What is “amb”/ambulation?
walking
What is gait training?
teaching walking
What is the most stable gait aid?
2 wheeled walker
When would you, and would not, use a 4 wheeled walker with a patient?
Would not use:
- grip strength issues
- hand/ROM issues
- weight bearing issues
When to use:
- faster to move around
Fitting of ambulatory assistive devices
1) Elbows slightly bent (20 degrees), no locking first
2) Handles should be at wrist creases
Benefits of the reverse walker? When would one use this device?
1) Upright posture
2) Access to environment
–> use with younger patients who will be using a walker long term, don’t need as much stability
Benefits of the knee walker?
Takes load off the ankles
Benefits of the gutter walker?
Takes the load off the wrist and hand
Why use crutches? Why not use crutches?
Use:
Faster to get around
Not use:
- Requires upper body strength
- Takes more coordination than a walker
Why use forearm crutches? Why not?
Use:
–> access to environment
Not:
–> Requires more arm strength/coordination
Why use a cane?
Balance/posture
Fitting for a cane?
1)Goes up to wrist crease
2)Close to body
NWB, PWB, WBAT meanings
NWB - no weight bearing
PWB - partial weight bearing
–> 20 - 50%
WBAT - weight bearing as tolerated
–> no structural problem as much weight as they can take
–> On NWB or PWB, patient can only use a 2 wheel walker or crutches for ambulation
True or false: You can load more on a walker as opposed to a cane
True
2 point gait pattern
The crutches and the involved leg are one point (move together) and the uninvolved leg is the other point. (WBAT or PWB)
3 point gait pattern
involves three points contact with:
1) the floor the crutches serve as one point (move separate),
2) the involved leg as the second point,
3) the uninvolved leg as the third point.
Gait pattern is used when one side lower extremity (LE) is unable to bear weight.
4 point gait pattern
used when there’s lack of coordination, poor balance and muscle weakness in both LE.
How to progress gait pattern
- Start with quiet/ no distractions to loud and lots of obstacles
- 3 point to 2 point
- 2 devices to 1 device to no device
- no obstacles to obstacles, doorways, stairs
What is guarding?
standing behind patient and to affected side
stay close so they can’t build momentum
Stair training rules
Ascending
- up with the good leg first
- stay behind patient
Descending
- down with the bad leg and assistive device first
- stand in front of patient
