Assistive Devices Stability and Gait FLOW CHART study guide

List all assistive devices from most to least stable.

Parallel bars → Walker → Bilateral axillary crutches → Bilateral Lofstrand crutches → Bilateral canes → Hemiwalker → Quad cane → Single-point cane → No device

What weight-bearing statuses are used with parallel bars?

Not specified in lecture; used for gait training in the clinic.

What gait patterns are used with parallel bars?

Initial swing-to gait training is mentioned.

What diagnoses are associated with parallel bars?

No specific diagnosis required. Used for patients with significant weakness, paralysis, or balance deficits who need maximum stability during initial gait training, including patients with spinal cord injury.

What orthotics are associated with parallel bars?

AFO, KAFO, HKAFO, or RGO may be used during gait training. Lecture: HKAFO with initial swing-to training.

What weight-bearing statuses are used with a two-wheeled walker?

NWB, TTWB, PWB, WBAT, FWB

What gait patterns are used with a walker?

3-point and swing-to.

What conditions indicate use of a walker?

Significant weakness, balance loss, or restricted weight bearing.

What orthotics are associated with a walker?

AFO, KAFO, HKAFO, or RGO may be used with a walker when appropriate for the patient. Lecture specifically describes swing-to gait with a walker and HKAFO.

What weight-bearing statuses are used with bilateral axillary crutches?

NWB, TTWB, PWB, WBAT, FWB

What gait patterns are used with bilateral axillary crutches?

2-point, 3-point, 4-point, swing-to, swing-through.

What conditions indicate use of axillary crutches?

Lower-extremity weakness, reduced weight bearing, or need for trunk support.

What orthotics are associated with axillary crutches?

AFO, KAFO, HKAFO, or RGO may be used depending on patient ability. Lecture: HKAFO with swing-to; RGO with 4-point gait.

What weight-bearing statuses are used with bilateral Lofstrand crutches?

NWB, TTWB, PWB, WBAT, FWB

What gait patterns are used with bilateral Lofstrand crutches?

2-point, 3-point, 4-point, swing-to, swing-through.

What diagnoses are associated with Lofstrand crutches?

CP, MS, spina bifida, high-functioning spinal injury, amputation.

What orthotics are associated with Lofstrand crutches?

AFO, KAFO, HKAFO, or RGO may be used with sufficient trunk control and upper-extremity function. Lecture: RGO with 4-point gait.

What weight-bearing statuses are used with bilateral canes?

Not explicitly specified; the general cane slide lists WBAT and FWB.

What gait patterns are used with bilateral canes?

2-point and 3-point; professor says not to prescribe bilateral canes.

What conditions are associated with bilateral canes?

2-point gait notes: CP, MS, spina bifida, lower spinal cord injury.

What orthotics are associated with bilateral canes?

AFO or KAFO may be used in selected patients. HKAFO/RGO generally require greater support. Professor: Do not prescribe bilateral canes.

What weight-bearing statuses are used with a hemiwalker?

WBAT, FWB

What gait pattern is used with a hemiwalker?

3-point, based on the general assistive-device gait note.

What diagnosis is associated with a hemiwalker?

CVA (stroke) with hemiparesis or hemiplegia; use on strong side.

What orthotics are associated with a hemiwalker?

AFO or KAFO may be used depending on patient needs. HKAFO and RGO are not typically paired with a hemiwalker.

What weight-bearing statuses are used with a quad cane?

WBAT, FWB

What gait pattern is used with a quad cane?

3-point, based on the general assistive-device gait note.

What conditions indicate use of a quad cane?

Minimal leg weakness, slight weight-bearing reduction, or balance assistance.

What orthotics are associated with a quad cane?

AFO or KAFO may be used if balance and weight-bearing ability permit. HKAFO/RGO are not typical combinations.

What weight-bearing statuses are used with a single-point cane?

WBAT, FWB

What gait pattern is used with a single-point cane?

3-point: cane → affected leg → unaffected leg.

What conditions indicate use of a single-point cane?

Minimal leg weakness, slight weight-bearing reduction, or balance assistance.

What orthotics are associated with a single-point cane?

AFO or KAFO may be used in appropriately mobile patients. HKAFO/RGO are not typical combinations.

What weight-bearing status is associated with no device?

FWB; inferred rather than explicitly paired in the lecture.

What gait pattern is associated with no device?

Normal gait; descriptive, not specified as an assistive-device pattern.

What diagnoses are associated with no device?

No specific diagnoses listed.

What orthotics are associated with no device?

AFO or KAFO may be used without a walking aid if independent balance and mobility are adequate. HKAFO/RGO generally require an assistive device.