Introduction to Walking Aids

• Zimmer Frame:

  • the most standard of walking aids
  • commonly used when someone's standing up for the first time after a surgery/injury
  • also used for very unstable people
  • has 4 legs and usually has a weight limit of about 120 kg
  • cause is to increase base of support ???
• Rollator Frame:

  • similar build to Zimmer frame with 4 legs, however the front 2 have wheels on them
  • this allows for the movement to be easier
  • but this causes it to be unstable
  • so this is good for someone who can walk and doesnt have weightbearing problems, but requires extra support for stability
  • commonly used wither older people with generalised weakness or someone who need more confidence/stability to move
  • not appropriate for people with weightbearing issues
• Gutter Frame:

  • 4 legs, the front 2 have wheels
  • the additional arm support helps people who cant put their weight through hands and wrists, so the weight gets put though their forearms
  • this makes it helpful for people who have multiple fractures
  • also helpful for people who require a lot more support
  • can be used for people with weightbearing issues as its more of a rehabilitation aid
• Elbow Crutches:

  • most commonly issued for people that are partial or non weightbearing or for additional support
  • cuff must be distal to the elbow
  • must put all of your weight through the handle - quite uncomfortable
  • not very stable
  • the only walking aid that can be used on stairs
  • causes increase in base of support - but means the patient using it must have some level of stability, particularly if they're non weightbearing as it means they must be able to stabilise to mobilise
  • so this may be tricky for someone with a lot of balance issues already
• Gutter Crutches:

  • gutter feature allows forearm support for people with weightbearing issues or lower limbs problems so cant put weight though their hands
  • have straps that needs to be secured to help with control
  • pts using these must be stable in their upper limbs
  • rarely used for independent use, so used as progression from gutter frame within therapy
• Walking Stick:

  • not really for people with weightbearing issues, instead for people that need extra base of support, balance, or confidence
  • should not alter gait
  • can progress from elbow crutches to 2 walking sticks, then 1
• Fischer Stick:

  • Walking stick with moulded handle that makes it more comfortable as it spreads the weight through the whole palm of the hand, which also makes it more comfortable to control the stick
  • often used with people who have long term joint problems in the wrists/hands
  • can also mould handle for elbow crutches
• • Can change the handles and bases of sticks (e.g. tripods and quadripods) to increase stability
  • very helpful for people with unilateral issues e.g. stroke
• There are lots of different things to consider when deciding on a mobility aid. These include:

  • Individuals weight bearing status
  • Their postural control ability
  • General fitness and strength
  • Other co-morbidities (e.g. cardiac status, arthritis)
  • Their weight (most standard mobility aids are to a maximum of 120 kg)
  • Confidence in mobility
  • Environment in which they need to mobilise