Mobility aid: Difference between revisions
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===Walking Aids=== |
===Walking Aids=== |
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[[Image:Forearmcrutch.jpg|thumb|right|forearm crutch]] |
[[Image:Forearmcrutch.jpg|thumb|right|forearm crutch]] |
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[[Image:Strongarm_cane_design_4_lg.jpg|frame|right|modern forearm crutch]] |
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As appropriate to the needs of the individual user, these devices help to maintain upright ambulation by providing any or all of: improved stability, reduced lower-limb loading and generating movement. Walking Aids include [[walking stick]]s or [[Cane (medical device)|cane]]s, [[crutch]]es and [[walkers]]. |
As appropriate to the needs of the individual user, these devices help to maintain upright ambulation by providing any or all of: improved stability, reduced lower-limb loading and generating movement. Walking Aids include [[walking stick]]s or [[Cane (medical device)|cane]]s, [[crutch]]es and [[walkers]]. |
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====Crutches==== |
====Crutches==== |
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A crutch also transmits loads to the ground through a shaft, but has two points of contact with the arm, at the hand and either below the elbow (most common in Europe and elsewhere) or below the armpit (most common in the USA). This allows significantly greater loads to be exerted through a crutch in comparison with a cane. |
A [[crutch]] also transmits loads to the ground through a shaft, but has two points of contact with the arm, at the hand and either below the elbow (most common in Europe and elsewhere) or below the armpit (most common in the USA). This allows significantly greater loads to be exerted through a crutch in comparison with a cane. |
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====Canes, Crutches, and Forearm Crutch Combinations==== |
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Devices on the market today include a number of combinations for Canes, Crutches and Forearm crutches. These crutches have bands that encircle the upper arms and handles for the patient to hold and rest their hands to support the body weight.<ref>Description of Forearm Crutch[http://www.crutch.com/Crutches.htm]</ref> The Forearm crutch typically gives a user the support of the cane but with additional forearm support to assist in mobility. The forearm portion helps increase balance, lateral stability and also reduces the load on the wrist.<ref>Strongarm Mobility, description of forearm crutch[http://www.strongarmmobility.com/]</ref> Examples of different forearm crutches are pictured on the right. |
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====Walkers==== |
====Walkers==== |
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Walkers (also known as a Zimmer frame) are the most stable walking aid and consist of a freestanding metal framework with three or more points of contact which the user places in front of them and then grips during movement. The points of contact may be either fixed rubber ferrules as with crutches and canes, or wheels, or a combination of both. Wheeled walkers are also known as rollators. |
Walkers (also known as a Zimmer frame) are the most stable walking aid and consist of a freestanding metal framework with three or more points of contact which the user places in front of them and then grips during movement. The points of contact may be either fixed rubber ferrules as with crutches and canes, or wheels, or a combination of both. Wheeled walkers are also known as rollators. |
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Revision as of 22:03, 19 June 2010
Mobility aids are devices designed to assist walking or otherwise improved the mobility of people with a mobility impairment.
Classification and types of walking aids
Mobility aids may be divided into two groups: 'walking aids' and 'wheelchairs and mobility scooters'.
Walking Aids
As appropriate to the needs of the individual user, these devices help to maintain upright ambulation by providing any or all of: improved stability, reduced lower-limb loading and generating movement. Walking Aids include walking sticks or canes, crutches and walkers.
Improved stability: By providing additional points of contact the walking aid provides both additional support and a wider range of stable centre of gravity positioning.
Reduced lower-limb loading: By directing load through the arms and the walking aid, lower impact and static forces are transmitted through the affected limbs.
Generating Movement: The walking aid and arms can substitute for the muscles and joints of the spine, pelvis and/or legs in the generation of dynamic forces during walking.
Cane
The cane or walking stick is the simplest form of walking aid. It is held in the hand and transmits loads to the floor through a shaft. The load which can be applied through a cane is transmitted through the user's hands and wrists and limited by these.
Crutches
A crutch also transmits loads to the ground through a shaft, but has two points of contact with the arm, at the hand and either below the elbow (most common in Europe and elsewhere) or below the armpit (most common in the USA). This allows significantly greater loads to be exerted through a crutch in comparison with a cane.
Canes, Crutches, and Forearm Crutch Combinations
Devices on the market today include a number of combinations for Canes, Crutches and Forearm crutches. These crutches have bands that encircle the upper arms and handles for the patient to hold and rest their hands to support the body weight.[1] The Forearm crutch typically gives a user the support of the cane but with additional forearm support to assist in mobility. The forearm portion helps increase balance, lateral stability and also reduces the load on the wrist.[2] Examples of different forearm crutches are pictured on the right.
Walkers
Walkers (also known as a Zimmer frame) are the most stable walking aid and consist of a freestanding metal framework with three or more points of contact which the user places in front of them and then grips during movement. The points of contact may be either fixed rubber ferrules as with crutches and canes, or wheels, or a combination of both. Wheeled walkers are also known as rollators.
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters substitute for walking by providing a wheeled device on which the user sits. Wheelchairs may be either manually propelled (by the user or by an aide) or electrically powered. Mobility scooters are electrically powered.
Others
Mobility aids can also be considered to include adaptive technology such as patient transfer devices that help transfer users between beds and chairs or mobility aids, transfer or convertible chairs, and sit-to-stand devices such as lift chairs.
References
- Michael W. Whittle, R (2008). "Pathological and Other Abnormal gaits", “Gait Analysis, An Introduction, Butterworth Heinemann & Elsevier, (122-130).
External links
- Handyhealthcare Resources on Mobility Aids.
- ABLEDATA Information directory for assistive technology
- [1] Regulations concerning assistive devices and mobility aids for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions from the US Transportation Security Administration
- Walker-Facts.com Resources on selecting a walker.
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