title: Assistive devices for ambulation.
abstract: Interacting with other people and the environment is fundamental to quality of life. Canes, walkers, and crutches increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of many individuals with neurologic disorders. Canes offer a choice of handle, shaft, and base. Walkers have various types of base, uprights, handgrips, platforms, and accessories. Crutch designs include underarm, triceps, forearm, and platform. Orthoses, particularly ankle foot orthoses and knee ankle foot orthoses, are often used to stabilize or immobilize lower limb segments while walking. Studies have shown the benefits of traditional assistive devices on gait, when prescribed and used properly.
authors.affiliation: Program in Physical Therapy, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. joaneedelstein@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Joan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Edelstein
mesh_terms: D005684:Gait; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D016138:Walking