Patient MovementPatient Movement

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

AmbulationAmbulation

• Choose an ambulation aid – based on patient age– type of injury– patient’s condition

– patient’s weight bearing status

• A gait belt should be used by the health care provider to provide safety and support for the patient

2

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

Ambulation AidsAmbulation Aids

Cane• Used to help with:

– balance

– weakness, injury or pain on one side

• Place the cane on the unaffected side• Correct fitting:

– Handle of cane is level with the head of the femur

– Patient’s elbow is flexed 25-30 degrees

3

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

Ambulation AidsAmbulation Aids

Crutches– Axillary

• Used by placing the pads under the armpits and holding on to the grip

• Grips are below and parallel to the armpit pads

– Forearm• Used by slipping the arm into the cuff

and holding on to the grip

– Platform• Forearm is placed on an armrest with

secure strap• Used by person with poor hand grip

AxillaryAxillary

ForearmForearm

PlatformPlatform

4

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

Ambulation AidsAmbulation Aids

Crutches• Correct Fitting

– Patient and crutch tips form a tripod:

Crutch tips are 4-6” in front

and to side of patient’s foot

– 2” between axilla and crutch

– Elbows flexed 25-30 degrees

5

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

AmbulationAmbulation

Crutch GaitCrutch Gait Gait is the pattern of movement.

– Four Point Gait: Slow, both legs can bear some weight

– Two Point Gait: Faster, more natural, both legs can bear some weight

4 point gait pattern

6

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

AmbulationAmbulation

Crutch GaitCrutch Gait– Three Point Gait:

• One leg is non-weight bearing

3 point gait pattern

7

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

AmbulationAmbulation

Crutch GaitCrutch Gait – Swing –Through:

• One leg is non-weight bearing; 2 point pattern. • Most rapid gait pattern

– Swing – To: • One leg is non weight bearing; 2 point pattern.

8

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

Ambulation AidsAmbulation Aids

WalkerWalker• Ambulation aide that

provides support

• Patient must be strong enough to hold themselves upright

9

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

Ambulation AidsAmbulation Aids

WalkerWalkerStyles:

– standard

– folding

– rolling

– platform

10

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

Ambulation AidsAmbulation Aids

WalkerWalker

Correct Fitting– Handles level with top of femur

– Elbow flexed to 25-30 degrees

11

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

AmbulationAmbulation

Walker GaitWalker Gait

– Step-to/3 point gait • pattern for weight bearing on both legs

– Swing-to/2 point gait • pattern for non-weight bearing

12

Patient MovementPatient MovementAmbulationAmbulation

Demonstrate the skillProvide for guided practice

Provide for independent practiceVerify student passing

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

Transferring a PatientTransferring a Patient

Transfer to a Chair/WheelchairTransfer to a Chair/Wheelchair

Demonstrate the skill

Provide for guided practice

Provide for independent practice

Verify student passing

14

3.01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Patient MovementPatient Movement

Transferring a PatientTransferring a Patient

Transfer to a StretcherTransfer to a Stretcher

15