Biomechanics Reflection #6
Adjusting or customizing an adaptive device for a client is very important for the client's comfort and well being. When decided what adaptive device will be appropriate for a client a therapist should choose a device that meets the needs of their client. It is important to look at their client's balance, stability, and strength. After choosing the appropriate device it is necessary to adjust the device to fit the client's body. This includes adjusting axillary rests on crutches or the height of a walker. There are various types of assistive devices such as walkers, crutches, and canes. Lastly, is is imperative when fitting a client for one of these devices is for the therapist to show the client how to appropriately use the device chosen.
Each type of device has certain landmarks they must meet in order to be deemed the "appropriate fit" for a client. For a cane, it is important to decide how much stability the client needs. After deciding between a quad cane or standard cane the therapist should adjust the handle to the height of the client's greater trochanter, ulnar styloid, or wrist crease. The client should also be in a relaxed standing position while being fitting for a cane. For axillary crutches, the portion that goes underneath the client's axilla (armpit) should be approximately 5 cm below said armpit in a relaxed position. Lofstrand crutches are a bit different from standard crutches. Lofstrand crutches have cuffs that wrap around the forearms and the hand grips should be pointing forward when in use. These are typically used for clients who have long term disabilities. A platform walker is a little different from a standard walker being that it has a removable rest for clients who are not weight bearing through their hand or wrist. From there the walker can be adjusted just as a standard walker can. The hand grips should be level with the client's wrist crease, greater trochanter or ulnar styloid. A rolling walker is a walker with two wheels in the front, which allows for more mobility but less stability. This type of walker is often used for clients who have some balance but often do not have much strength in their upper body. Due to the mobility of the wheels the client does not have to lift the rolling walker as often as they would a standard walker. Similar to the platform walker, the hand grips should be adjusted to the level of the client's greater trochanter, ulnar styloid, or wrist crease.
Each type of device has certain landmarks they must meet in order to be deemed the "appropriate fit" for a client. For a cane, it is important to decide how much stability the client needs. After deciding between a quad cane or standard cane the therapist should adjust the handle to the height of the client's greater trochanter, ulnar styloid, or wrist crease. The client should also be in a relaxed standing position while being fitting for a cane. For axillary crutches, the portion that goes underneath the client's axilla (armpit) should be approximately 5 cm below said armpit in a relaxed position. Lofstrand crutches are a bit different from standard crutches. Lofstrand crutches have cuffs that wrap around the forearms and the hand grips should be pointing forward when in use. These are typically used for clients who have long term disabilities. A platform walker is a little different from a standard walker being that it has a removable rest for clients who are not weight bearing through their hand or wrist. From there the walker can be adjusted just as a standard walker can. The hand grips should be level with the client's wrist crease, greater trochanter or ulnar styloid. A rolling walker is a walker with two wheels in the front, which allows for more mobility but less stability. This type of walker is often used for clients who have some balance but often do not have much strength in their upper body. Due to the mobility of the wheels the client does not have to lift the rolling walker as often as they would a standard walker. Similar to the platform walker, the hand grips should be adjusted to the level of the client's greater trochanter, ulnar styloid, or wrist crease.
Good job! :-)
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