Assistive Devices and Mobility Rick Rosenstein DO Dept of Rehab Medicine

Base of Support

Phases of Gait

Abnormal Gait

Why Assistive Device?

Levels of Assist  Dependant: Needs total assist  Max Assist: 75% of work by outside source  Mod Assist: 50% of work by outside source  Min Assist: 25% of work by outside source  Contact Guard: 10-15% of outside source  Close Supervision: within arms length “im not touching you”  Supervision: beyond arms length but within sight  Independent: no help needed  Modified Independent: (I) with assistive device

Weight Bearing Statuses  Non weight bearing (NWB): either LE or UE and no use of that limb during functional task  Toetouch (toedown) weight bearing: (LE)10-25% of body weight on ground, essentially toes down for balance only  Partial weight bearing: (LE) 50% of body weight through limb  Weight bearing as tolerated: (UE/LE) May be limited by vascular, orthopedic or neurological reason why patient may not be using limb completely  Full weight bearing: (UE/LE) No reason to not be using limb for mobility/functional tasks

Tasks

Hospital Bed

Parallel Bars

Wheelchairs

Walkers

Crutches

Canes

Special Devices