Walking with a walking stick
- Hold the walking stick on the stronger side.
- Place the walking stick in front and to the side and at the same time, step forward with the weaker leg.
- Step forward with the stronger leg and then step again with the stick and weaker leg together.
Watch the videos to see how to walk with a walking stick.
Question
Why is the walking stick held on the stronger side?
So that the person can take their weight off the painful or weak side.
Also, when the walking stick is on the stronger side, a more natural walking pattern can be achieved. This is because when we walk naturally, each arm swings with the opposite leg.
Walking with crutches
- Place the crutches in front and slightly to the side of the body.
- Push down on hand grips and step forward with the weaker or only leg.
- Step forward with the stronger leg.
Watch the video to see how to walk with crutches when weight bearing on both legs.
Watch the video to see how to walk with crutches when weight bearing on one leg.
Question
Why does the weaker leg step forward before the stronger leg?
The stronger leg can support the body while the weaker leg steps forward. If the stronger leg steps forward first, then the weaker leg would have to support the body. This is more difficult.
Walking with a rollator
- Place the rollator just in front of you.
- Make sure the brakes are off.
- Slowly roll the rollator forward and step towards it, walking as you would do normally.
- Press on the brakes if you want to slow the rollator down when walking.
Watch the video to see how to walk with a rollator.
Walking with a walking frame
- Place the frame just in front of the body.
- Step the weaker or only leg forward into the middle of the frame.
- Step the other leg to meet the first leg.
Watch the videos to see how to walk with a walking frame while weight bearing on both legs.
Watch the video to see how to walk with a walking frame while weight bearing on one leg.
Activity
Practise walking with the different walking aids you have available.
- For all walking aids: practice walking with weight on both legs
- For crutches and walking frames: practice walking with weight on one leg only.
If you are taking this module with other people, practise teaching each other. Watch the videos again if you are not sure.
Question
What do you think might happen if you were unable to operate the brakes on a rollator?
It is possible for the rollator to roll forwards too fast. This could cause someone with poor balance to fall.