Patient Movement Patient Movement Ambulation Choose an ambulation

Patient Movement

Patient Movement Ambulation • 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 3. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 2

Patient Movement Ambulation 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. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 3

Patient Movement Ambulation 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 Axillary Forearm – Platform • Forearm is placed on an armrest with secure strap • Used by person with poor hand grip Platform 3. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 4

Patient Movement Ambulation 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 3. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 5

Patient Movement Ambulation Crutch 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 3. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 6

Patient Movement Ambulation Crutch Gait – Three Point Gait: • One leg is non-weight bearing 3 point gait pattern 3. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 7

Patient Movement Ambulation Crutch 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. 3. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 8

Patient Movement Ambulation Aids Walker • Ambulation aide that provides support • Patient must be strong enough to hold themselves upright 3. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 9

Patient Movement Ambulation Aids Walker Styles: – standard – folding – rolling – platform 3. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 10

Patient Movement Ambulation Aids Walker Correct Fitting – Handles level with top of femur – Elbow flexed to 25 -30 degrees 3. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 11

Patient Movement Ambulation Walker Gait – Step-to/3 point gait • pattern for weight bearing on both legs – Swing-to/2 point gait • pattern for non-weight bearing 3. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 12

Patient Movement Ambulation Demonstrate the skill Provide for guided practice Provide for independent practice Verify student passing

Patient Movement Transferring a Patient Transfer to a Chair/Wheelchair Demonstrate the skill Provide for guided practice Provide for independent practice Verify student passing 3. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 14

Patient Movement Transferring a Patient Transfer to a Stretcher 3. 01 Understand Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services 15