Saint Mary’s University

SCHOOL OF HEALTH and NATURAL SCIENCES

Nursing Department
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

Name:_________________________________ Group No.:_____ Date:_______________

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION ON THE USE OF MECHANICAL AIDS FOR WALKING

Direction: Below is a list of criteria to evaluate the student’s skills. Indicate your evaluation by checking your score using
the following descriptive scale.
0- Not Done 1- Incorrectly Done 2- Correctly Done
Preparation 0 1 2 Comments

1. The client lies in supine position and the nurse measures from the anterior fold of
the axilla to the heel of the foot and adds 2.5 cm (1 in).
2. The client stands erect and position the crutch. Make sure that the shoulder rest of
the crutch is at least three finger widths, that is 2.5 cm to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) below the
axilla.
3. The client stands upright and supports the body weight by the hand grips of the
crutches.
4. Measure the angle of elbow flexion. It should be about 30 degrees
Procedure
1. Introduce yourself, and verify the client’s identity. Explain to the client what you
are going to do, why it is necessary, and how the client can cooperate.
2. Observe other appropriate infection control procedures.
3. Provide for client privacy.
CRUTCHES
Four-Point Alternate Gait
1. Move the right crutch ahead a suitable distance, such as 10 to 15 cm (4-6 in.)
2. Move the left front foot forward, preferably to the level of the left crutch
3. Move the left crutch forward.
4. Move the right foot forward.
Three Point Gait
1. Move both crutches and the weaker leg forward
2. Move the stronger leg forward
Two-Point Alternate Gait
1. Move the left crutch and the right foot forward together.
2. Move the right crutch and the left foot ahead together.
Swing-To Gait
1. Move both crutches ahead together
2. Lift body weight by the arms and swing to the crutches.
Swing-Through Gait
1. Move both crutches ahead together
2. Lift body weight by the arms and swing through and beyond the crutch.
Going up stairs
1. Assume the tripod position at the bottom of the stairs
2. Transfer the body weight to the crutches and move the unaffected leg onto the step
3. Transfer the body weight to the unaffected leg on to the step and move the crutches and affected leg up to the step. The
affected leg is always supported by the crutches.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the client reaches the top of the stairs.
Going down stairs
1. Assume the tripod position at the bottom of the stairs
2. Shift the body weight to the unaffected leg, and move the crutches and affected leg down onto the next step
3. Transfer the body weight to the crutches, and move the unaffected leg to that step. The affected leg is always supported
by the crutches.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the client reaches the bottom of the stairs.

B. CANES
1. Hold the cane with the hand on the stronger side of the body to provide maximum support and appropriate body
alignment when walking.
2. Position the tip of a standard cane about 15cm (6 in.) to the side and 15cm (6 in) in front of the near foot, so that the
elbow is slightly flexed.
When maximum support is required
1. Move the cane forward about 30cm (1 ft), or a distance that is comfortable while the body weight is borne by both legs.
2. Then move the affected (weak) leg forward to the cane while the weight is borne by the cane and stronger leg
 3. Next, move the unaffected (stronger) leg forward ahead of the cane and weak leg while the weight is borne by the cane
and weak leg.
4. Repeat the steps. This pattern of moving provides at least two points of support on the floor at all times.

As you become stronger and require less support

1. Move the cane and weak leg forward at the same time, while the weight is borne by the stronger leg
2. Move the stronger leg forward, while the weight is borne by the cane and the weak leg.
C. USING WALKERS
When maximum support is required
1. Move the walker ahead about 15 cm (6 in) while your body weight is borne by both legs
2. Then move the right foot up to the walker while your body weight is borne by the left leg and both arms
3. Next, move the left foot up to the right foot while your body weight is borne by the right leg and both arms
If one leg is weaker than the other
1. Move the walker and the weak leg ahead together about 15 cm (6 in) while your weight is borne by the stronger leg.
2. Then move the stronger leg ahead while your weight is borne by the affected leg and both arms.
Document if client was able to tolerate procedure done.
TOTAL
AVERAGE

Comments:____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________.

_________________________________
Name/Signature of Clinical Instructor