Walking Aids
Walking aids include assistive canes (commonly referred to as walking sticks), crutches and walkers. As appropriate to the needs of the individual user, these devices help to maintain upright ambulation by providing any or all of: improved stability, reduced lower-limb loading and generating movement.
- Improved stability
- By providing additional points of contact the walking aid provides both additional support and a wider range of stable centre of gravity positioning.
- Reduced lower-limb loading
- By directing load through the arms and the walking aid, lower impact and static forces are transmitted through the affected limbs.
- Generating Movement
- The walking aid and arms can substitute for the muscles and joints of the spine, pelvis and/or legs in the generation of dynamic forces during walking.
Read more about this topic: Mobility Aids
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