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Mobility

Using a walking aid on steps and stairs

Lesson: 4 of 6
Topic: 6 of 7
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Using a walking stick on stairs

Going up stairs

  1. Step up with the stronger leg first.
  2. Next, step up with the walking aid and the weaker leg together.

Going down stairs

  1. Step down with the weaker leg and the walking aid together.
  2. Next, step down with the strong leg.

Watch the video to see how to walk up and down stairs with a stick.

Video coming soon

Using crutches on stairs

Going up stairs

  1. Step up with the stronger or only leg first.
  2. Lift the crutches onto the step next to the stronger leg.
  3. Step up with the weaker leg.

Going down stairs

  1. Place the crutches on to the step first.
  2. Step down with the weaker or only leg.
  3. Step down with the strong leg.

Watch the video to see how to walk up and down stairs with crutches while weight bearing on both legs.

Watch the video to see how to walk up and down stairs with crutches while weight bearing on one leg.

Activity

Practise using crutches and a walking stick on stairs:

  • Practise going up and down stairs with weight on both legs using crutches and walking sticks
  • Practise going up and down stairs with weight on one leg only using crutches only.

If you are taking this module with other people, practise teaching each other. Watch the videos again if you are not sure.

Discussion

What looked hard? What looked easy?

Was there anything different to how you have learned to use the walking aids?

Using walking frames and rollators on a step

Walking frames and rollators can go up and down one step or curb.

Never try to use walking frames and rollators on stairs.

Watch the video to see how to go up and down one step with a rollator or a walking frame.