Walking Aids and Parallel Bars

What is the primary function of walking aids?

Which of the following is a key criterion when selecting a walking aid for a patient?

Why are finger flexors important when using walking aids?

What is the purpose of wrist dorsiflexors in the context of using walking aids?

Elbow extensors stabilize the elbow in slight flexion. Why is this important when using walking aids?

What is the role of shoulder flexors when using walking aids?

Why are depressors of the shoulder girdle (clavicle & scapula) important when using walking aids?

For what main reason are parallel bars typically used with unstable patients?

What is the purpose of using a full-length mirror in conjunction with parallel bars?

When setting up parallel bars, what degree of elbow flexion should be allowed?

What is the main benefit of a walking frame for users with mobility issues?

For which of the following populations is a walking frame considered particularly reliable?

What is the recommended elbow flexion when setting the height of a walking frame?

What should a user do before walking towards a walking frame?

Why might a clinician recommend transitioning a patient from a walking frame to a cane or crutch?

What is the primary advantage of a rigid walking frame compared to other types of frames?

For whom are folding frames most suitable?

What is the defining feature of reciprocal walking frames?

How does using a reciprocal frame assist in walking?

For what type of patient are forearm supporting frames (Gutter frames) primarily designed?

What is a key advantage of wheeled frames compared to standard walking frames?

What is a major disadvantage of wheeled frames?

What braking mechanism is commonly found on rollators to enhance safety?

Holding a walking stick on the contralateral side (opposite to the affected limb) increases what?

What is the function of an anatomically molded handle on a walking stick?

How does a swan-neck (offset) handle improve balance when using a walking stick?

What is the recommended method for determining the correct length of a walking stick?

What is the main advantage of using a tripod or quadripod walking stick compared to a standard single-point cane?

Why is it important to fit rubber ferrules to each leg of a tripod or quadripod walking stick?

What is a critical consideration when using axillary crutches to prevent injury?

How should the length of axillary crutches be determined for proper use?

What is a key advantage of forearm (elbow) crutches over axillary crutches?

What wrist condition would make forearm (elbow) crutches unsuitable?

For which patients are forearm trough crutches most appropriate?

Which gait pattern is characterized by advancing the crutches and then swinging the body to meet them?

In which crutch gait does the patient swing their body beyond the crutches?

A 4-point crutch gait is suitable for individuals who:

Which patient is most suited to the 3-point crutch gait?

Which crutch gait enables the patient to move more quickly, but requires good balance?

A new patient has been prescribed axillary crutches following a non-weight-bearing lower limb injury. They are struggling to maintain an appropriate gait, reporting discomfort and pain around the axilla after only short periods of ambulation. During your assessment, you observe significant leaning into the crutches, causing compression in the axillary region. Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate to address this patient's immediate needs and prevent further complications?

A patient with chronic rheumatoid arthritis and significant wrist contractures requires a walking aid, but is struggling with pain and weight distribution. Your patient cannot fully extend their wrists or bear weight through their hands comfortably, and needs assistance with maintaining stability. Which of the following walking aids is MOST appropriate for the patient's needs?

Why might a clinician recommend parallel bars for a patient's initial gait training?

Which of the following is a key feature of reciprocal walking frames that distinguishes them from standard frames?

What is the MOST critical factor to consider when using axillary crutches to prevent potential complications?

In the context of selecting a walking aid, if a patient exhibits significant wrist contractures and an inability to comfortably bear weight through their wrists and hands, which of the following muscle groups becomes MOST critical for providing stability and support?

A patient is prescribed a 4-point crutch gait. Which of the following statements BEST describes the sequence of movements in this gait?

Walking aids primarily reduce mobility by limiting body-weight transfer.

Patient stability is not a key criterion when selecting appropriate walking aids.

Finger flexors are essential for providing a firm handgrip when using walking aids.

Wrist plantarflexors are responsible for stabilizing the wrist during finger flexion when using a walking aid.

Elbow extensors help stabilize the elbow in slight extension when using walking aids.

Parallel walk bars enhance stability for patients without lower limb mobility issues.

The initial use of parallel bars is to develop a specific gait pattern.

Using a full-length mirror during parallel bar exercises helps patients observe their own movements.

The height and distance of parallel bars should be set to allow for 60-degree elbow flexion.

Walking frames reduce the weight taken through the upper limbs.

Walking frames are unsuitable for children with musculoskeletal issues.

When using a walking frame, the frame should be moved forward, then the patient walking towards the frame.

A walking frame should be used in a clinical setting, not at home.

Rigid walking frames offer less stability than adjustable frames.

Folding frames, rigid frames and reciprocal frames are all the same thing..

Folding frames are designed for users with large storage spaces.

Reciprocal frames facilitate movement by allowing each side to advance independently.

Reciprocal frames are particularly unhelpful if the user can't lift a rigid frame.

Forearm supporting frames are designed for patients with poor foot function.

Wheeled frames are suitable for patients who can confidently lift a walking frame.

Wheeled frames always have 4 legs, with wheels at the front and ferrules at the back.

The use of a wheeled frame encourages a less normal gait pattern.

Rollators offer more maneuverability compared to standard wheeled frames.

Rollators always have weight-activated brakes, where downward pressure on the handle activates the brake.

Walking sticks should be held on the ipsilateral (affected) side to reduce hip and knee ROM.

Anatomically molded cane handles distribute pressure over a small area.

Canes fitted with a swan-neck handle bring the center of balance over the longitudinal axis of the stick.

A walking stick’s length should cause an elbow bend of 45 degrees.

Tripod and quadripod walking aids have a limited base for staircases.

Crutch walking gait requires no muscle strength.

The 'swing-to' crutch gait involves swinging the body to the crutches.

During a 'swing-through' crutch gait, the body is lifted and swung beyond the crutches.

4-point crutch gait involves all or part of body-weight being taken on each foot.

The 3-point crutch gait is suitable for patients with good strength in both lower limbs.

In a 2-point crutch gait, the right crutch and left foot move simultaneously.

Axillary crutches should press below the axilla.

With axillary crutches the hands should bare the users body-weight.

Forearm crutches are suitable for patients with a very stiff wrist.

Knee walkers are an alternative to crutches.

Wrist dorsiflexors are essential for stabilizing the wrist during powerful finger extension.

Parallel bars are mainly utilized to treat stable patients.

When using a walking frame, the height should be set to allow for upright standing and 30 degrees of elbow flexion without hunched shoulders.

Reciprocal frames require the user to advance one leg and the ipsilateral arm simultaneously.

When fitting axillary crutches, the length should be precisely at the axillary fold to maximize weight-bearing capacity.