Mobility Aids Lecture Notes

Importance of Mobility Aids

• Benefits:
  • Reduce risk of falling
  • Reduce pain
  • Compensate for neurological impairment
  • Improve confidence
• Misuse Issue:
  • Often acquired through informal sources without professional advice

General Characteristics of Mobility Aids

• Larger aids = more stability
  • Tradeoff: Reduced walking speed and access to different environments

Types of Frames

1. Pickup Frames (Zimmer/Static/Hopper Frames):
   • Structure: Four legs, three sides
   • Features: Fixed or adjustable height, rubber tips
   • Variants:
     • Some have two wheels at the front
     • Some have two skis on the rear legs
   • Also called Modified Pickup Frames or Rollator Frames
   • Wheels: Fixed wheels for increased stability
   • Transportation: Foldable but fixed frames are stronger
   • Use Case:
     • Reduced confidence or balance
     • Reduced weight bearing on one leg
     • Requires more support than crutches
     • Suitable for indoor use and shorter distances

Frame Usage

• Energy Use:
  • Stop-start nature expends more energy
• Indoor vs Outdoor Use:
  • More suitable indoors
• Frame with Small Wheels:
  • Difficult on carpet, skis on rear legs beneficial

Proper Use Technique

• Wear appropriate footwear
• Stand upright with relaxed shoulders, arms by side
• Elbow bend: 10-20°
• Handle height: At wrist crease
• Movement:
  • Lift/push frame forward one step length
  • Ensure rubber tips on ground before stepping
  • Take two steps, starting with weaker leg
  • Lean through arms for support

Wheeled vs Non-Wheeled Frames

• Wheeled Frames:
  • More normal walking pattern
  • Less energy required
• Non-Wheeled Frames:
  • Halting pattern
  • Do not lift frame and move feet simultaneously

Maintenance and Safety

• Inspect for wear and tear:
  • Signs of bending, deformity, breakage, corrosion
  • Protruding/missing screws, split/loose grips, worn tips
  • Check user weight limit sticker
• Footwear: Well-fitting, non-slip soles
• Outdoor Caution: Wet/uneven surfaces
• Stairs: Do not use frames on stairs

Home Environment

• Check for and eliminate trip hazards:
  • Loose rugs, power cords, cluttered furniture
• Walking Technique:
  • Stronger leg: Turn towards it for support

Professional Guidance

• Mobility aids should be prescribed by health professionals
  • Examples: Physiotherapist, occupational therapist
• For more information:
  • Contact local hospital physiotherapy department
  • Other sources: Private providers, pharmacies, health equipment suppliers