Locomotion and Assistive Devices

As future OT Practitioners, it is important for us to understand the need and benefits of assistive devices for our clients. Clients will be able to participate more independently in daily activities and safely manage locomotion with the use of a variety of devices and equipment. When choosing equipment for a client, it is important to note their age, limitations and strengths, and overall endurance when moving around.
A cane is appropriate when the client needs minimal to no assistance. Different styles of canes offer different benefits and should be carefully considered beforehand. For example, standard canes have a single base of support, while a quad cane will have multiple contacts with the floor in order to add increased support and balance.
If a client needs additional support, or may need to be non weight bearing on a single lower extremity, axillary crutches would be an appropriate choice. One of the biggest limitations to crutches, however, is age due to when an individual increases in age, their endurance and strength often times decrease. In addition, Loftstand crutches can be used for an individual who needs support long term, therefore these would not be appropriate for someone who might have broken their ankle or recovering from an ACL surgery.
If a client is too unstable to use a cane, a walker would be the appropriate assistive device. Walkers enable a strong base of support and allow both hands to be used to offer control and stability. Rolling walkers can be used when someone’s upper extremity might be weak, while a Platform walker can be used when the forearms are strong enough to place  pressure on even though the wrist or hands may not be.