A mobility Aid is a device designed to assist walking/ improve the mobility of people with an impairment.
Walking aids provide improved stability, reduce load bearing weight and generate movement. Examples of these are canes, crutches, and walkers. They improve stability by providing additional contact points to create a more stable center of gravity. Load bearing weight is repositioned by redirecting the load through the arms and mobility aid which creates a lower impact. In order to generate movement, walking aids substitute for muscles and joints in the spine, pelvis, and/or legs.
Cane
A cane, also known as a walking stick, is probably considered the simplest and most compact form of mobility aids. It is held in the hand and transmits the load to the floor.
Crutches
The biggest difference between a cane and a crutch is that the crutch has two points on contact with the arm. These include the hand and either below the elbow or below the armpit. This increase in contact points allows more of a load to be exerted through the mobility aid.
Walker
A walker, also known as a Zimmer frame, is considered the most stable walking aid on the market. It consists of a metal frame with three or more contact points. There are multiple types of walkers such as ones with tennis balls, rubber on the ends (commonly seen in hospitals), wheels with a seat, or a combination of the two. A walker with wheels and a seat is commonly referred to as a rollator. The built in seats are great for long trips were a seat would be very handy to take a rest. Most rollators also have a compartment to carry medical equipment or a bag/purse in.
Walker Cane Hybrid
This design came to be in 2012 which provided the recipient with side to side support on the aids two legs. It is used in front of the impaired individual with two hands while some can be adjusted to only use one hand. Other adjustments include having the ability to use it on the side as well to assist in stair climbing.
Wheelchair
Wheelchairs, unlike the previously discussed devices, allows the use to stay seated and they are not required to walk. Some chairs are manually propelled like in the picture above, or they can powered electronically. Electronically powered wheelchairs are often referred to as power chairs which need to have a charged battery to work. Often times these are controlled by a joystick. Their are different variations of wheelchairs available such as varying colors, widths, and wheel angle. Not all wheel chair users utilize them full time. Some may be part time or only occasionally. Despite the duration and frequency of use, it helps the individual which is the most important thing.
Service dogs
Some service dogs are used for mobility. Their is some controversy about how much weight should be put on the animal but it is agreed upon that the dog should not bear the full weight of the person. In general, a good rule of thumb is to do heavy mobility and brace the dog should be 50% of your weight and 40% of your height. It’s 30% weight and 30% height for counterbalance and momentum pull. please keep in mind that most dogs under 60 lbs don’t have the bone build to support significant excess weight, even if only momentarily. It is essential to get a dogs OFA's done to ensure no medical issues, such as hip dysplasia, are present. This is typically done at 2 years old when the dog has had a chance to fully develop.
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