blog post 9

Assistive devices are very beneficial to clients because they aid in their mobility. It is important to properly fit a client for an assistive device for many reasons. If the assistive device does not properly fit, then it could hurt the person to use. Also, if the assistive device is not properly fitted to the specific person then it could affect their balance and posture. For example, if a person is using a walker that is 4 inches too short then they would have to hunch over to use the device. In the long run, the walker would hurt the client more than it would be beneficial.

To properly fit a client for a cane the client should stand straight with their arms directly by their side. The handle needs to be in line with the wrist crease, ulnar styloid or the greater trochanter. For the axillary crutches and lofstrand crutches the hand grips need to be in line with the wrist crease, ulnar styloid or greater trochanter when the arms are at rest by the client’s side. The same goes for a platform walker, with the handgrips in line with the ulnar styloid, wrist crease or the greater trochanter when the arms are resting at the client’s side. The same goes for the rolling walker. When fitting for a cane or walker, the elbow needs to be relaxed, and flexed 20-30 degrees. To fit for crutches, the axillary will rest roughly 5 centimeters below the floor of the axilla. For each assistive device, it is important the client’s shoulders are relaxed and not elevated to get a proper fit. Loftstrand crutches are often used for people with long-term disables, whereas platform crutches are often used right after an injury.