Assistive Devices

Assistive Devices
● Walker
● Cane
● Crutches
Walker
● Stand in the center of the walker
● Slide walker forward 6-8 inches
● Keep all 4 feet of walker on ground
● Step forward with affected side
○ Keep weight on the walker and unaffected leg
● Bring unaffected leg up to walker
Cane
● Cane goes on the unaffected side
● Slight bend at the elbow
● Cane moves forward 6-10 inches
● Affected leg moves forward with cane
● Unaffected leg then moves past the cane

Crutches: Fit
● Don’t rest on armpits
● Use shoulders and arms for strength
● Slight bend through the elbows
Two point gait
● Requires partial weight
bearing on both feet

Three-Point Gait
● Non-weight bearing and can progress to partial weight bearing.
● Crutches are advanced with the affected leg
● Unaffected leg brought forward
Swing-Through Gait
● For non-weight bearing or partial
weight bearing clients
● Requires balance
● Stand on the unaffected leg
● Move both crutches forward
about a foot
● Brace the hand grips for support
● Swing both legs through the
crutches

Four point gait

Up with the good!

Down with the bad!