Mechanical Aids for Walking

Mechanical Aids for

Ambulation include:
Canes
Walkers
Crutches
 Two types of Canes:
 The standard straight-legged cane
 Quad cane
Types of Walkers:
Standard Walker
Two-wheeled walker
Types of Crutches:
Axillary or underarm
Lofstrand
Platform
Using Canes: Nursing Consideration
❖Position the tip of a standard cane
(6in. To the side and 6in in front) of
the near foot : so that the elbow is
slightly flexed.
❖Hold the cane with the hand on the
stronger side of the body : to
provide maximum support and
appropriate body alignment when
walking
WHEN MAXIMUM SUPPORT IS
REQUIRED
▪ Move the cane forward about 1ft.
▪ Then move the affected(weak) leg
forward to the cane
▪ Next move the unaffected leg
forward ahead of the cane and
weak leg
▪ Repeat the steps.
REQUIRE LESS SUPPORT
 Move the cane and the weak leg
forward at the same time
 Move the stronger leg forward
Crutch Gaits
➢Is the gait a person assumes
on crutches by alternating
body wt. on one or both legs
and the crutches.
MEASUREMENT:
 The client lies in supine position,
measures from the anterior fold of the
axilla to the heel of the foot and add 1
inch.
 The client stands erect and position the
crutches on tripod position, the
shoulder rest of the crutch at least 3
fingers width, or 1-2 inches below the
axilla.
5 Standard Crutch Gaits:
 Four Point Alternate Gait:
➢Move the right crutch ahead a
suitable distance, such as 4 to 6 in.
➢Move the left front foot forward,
preferably to the level of the left
crutch.
➢Move the left crutch forward, move
the rt. Foot forward.
Three-Point Gait:
Move both crutches and the
weaker leg forward.
Move the stronger leg
forward
Two point Alternate Gait
Move the left crutch and the
right foot forward together
Move the right crutch and the
left foot ahead together.
Swing-To Gait
Move both crutches ahead
together.
Lift body weight by the arms
and swing to the crutches
Swing-Through gait
Move both crutches forward
together.
Lift body weight by the arms
and swing through and beyond
the crutch.
Getting into a chair:
 Stand with the back of the
unaffected leg centered against the
chair.
 Transfers the crutches to the hand
on the affected side and hold the
crutches by the hand bars. The
client grasps the arm of the chair
with the hand on the unaffected
side.
Lean forward, flex the knees
and hips, and lower into the
chair.
Getting out of a chair
 Move forward to the edge of the
chair and place the unaffected leg
slightly under or at the edge of the
chair.
 Grasp the crutches by the hand bars
in the hand on the affected side,
and grasp the arm of the chair by
the hand on the unaffected side.
Push down on the crutches and
the chair armrest while
elevating the body out of the
chair.
Assume the tripod position
before moving.