transfer/gait belt
band of fabric or leather that is positioned around the patient's waist that is used during ambulation or transfers for additional support.
ambulate
to walk
crutches
artificial supports that assist a patient who needs help walking
axillary crutches
crutches that may be made of wood or aluminum and are used for patients who need them for a short period of time; must be able to bear weight on the hand bars
forearm or loftstrand crutches
crutches that attach to forearms; used for patients with weakness or paralysis in both legs; used when needed for a long period of time and require upper arm strength
platform crutches
used for patients who cannot grip handles of other crutches to bear weight on their wrists and hands; does not require as much upper body strength bu does require good sense of balance and coordination.
standard cane
single-tipped cane; can have curved, T-handle, or J-handle
tripod cane
canes with three tips
quad cane
canes with four tips
hemiwalker or walkcane
has four legs and a handlebar that the patient can grip; used with patients with hemiplegia
hemiplegia
paralysis on one side of the body
walker
four-legged device that provides support; styles include standard, folding, rolling, and platform
four-point gait
used when both legs can bear some weight; right foot, left crutch, left crutch, right foot
three-point gait
patient can bear weight on one leg only; start with crutches at sides, advance both crutches and affected foot, transfer the patient's body weight forward to the crutches, advance the unaffected or good foot forward
swing-to gait
one or both legs can bear weight; starts with crutches at side, balance weight on foot or feet, move both crutches forward, transfer weight forward, use shoulder and arm to swing feet up to crutches
swing-through gait
one or both legs can bear weight; starts with crutches at side, balance weight on foot or feet, move both crutches forward, transfer weight forward, use shoulder and arm to swing feet up to and through the crutches, stopping slightly in front of crutches
4-6
The crutches should be positioned ___________ inches to the side of the patient's foot.
2
The length of axillary crutches should be adjusted so that there are ________ inches between the armpit and the axillary bar of the crutch.