{"id":12279,"date":"2025-06-06T11:14:13","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T09:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/choosing-the-right-walking-aid\/"},"modified":"2025-06-19T12:00:14","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T10:00:14","slug":"choosing-the-right-walking-aid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/choosing-the-right-walking-aid\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing the Right Walking Aid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"\ud83d\udd0d Crit\u00e8res pour bien choisir une aide \u00e0 la mobilit\u00e9 ?\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/b9bJZ2Z_Py4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<p>Choosing a technical walking aid (TWA) is not just about preferring a cane to a walker. It&#8217;s based on a detailed analysis of several functional and clinical factors. Understanding these parameters allows for prescribing a device adapted to the patient&#8217;s situation, rehabilitation goal, and environment.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Main Selection Criteria<\/h2>\n\n<p>Here are the elements to consider when determining the most appropriate aid:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Number of ground supports<\/strong>: depending on whether you&#8217;re looking to stabilize, partially or completely unload a limb.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Support mode<\/strong>: continuous (permanent) or intermittent (occasional).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lateralization of the impairment<\/strong>: unilateral (e.g., hemiparesis) or bilateral (e.g., myopathic impairment).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Number of available hands<\/strong>: one or two, depending on potential limitations (injuries, need to keep a hand free, etc.).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of Walking Aids and Associated Clinical Situations<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Classic Walker<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Support<\/strong>: bilateral, symmetrical, and continuous<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Support rhythm<\/strong>: 3-3-3-3&#8230;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Objective<\/strong>: triple each support to optimize stability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Great stability and comfort<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Symmetry of support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constant and smooth assistance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Disadvantages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bulky, not well-suited for confined spaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requires the use of both hands<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Two Crutches &#8211; Case 1: Alternating Partial Unloading<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Support<\/strong>: bilateral, symmetrical, and intermittent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rhythm<\/strong>: 3-1-3-1-3-1&#8230;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Objective<\/strong>: triple only one support (e.g., after surgery or unilateral injury)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Good maneuverability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allows for modulating unloading<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suitable for various terrains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Disadvantages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Requires some coordination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often induces step asymmetry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intermittent, non-permanent assistance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Both hands used<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Two Crutches &#8211; Case 2: Complete Unloading<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Support<\/strong>: bilateral, symmetrical, and intermittent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rhythm<\/strong>: 1-2-1-2-1-2&#8230;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Objective<\/strong>: completely replace one support (no weight-bearing on one limb)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allows for complete unloading<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valuable when weight-bearing is contraindicated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Disadvantages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Requires significant upper limb strength<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Less smooth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tiring over long distances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Both hands used<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Two Crutches &#8211; Case 3: Balanced Alternating Support<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Support<\/strong>: bilateral, alternating, and intermittent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rhythm<\/strong>: 2-2-2-2&#8230;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Objective<\/strong>: double each support while maintaining a balanced rhythm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Good compromise between stability and autonomy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suitable for smoother walking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Disadvantages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Motor coordination essential<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requires the use of both hands<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">One-handed Walker (Wheeleo\u00ae)<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Support<\/strong>: unilateral and continuous<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rhythm<\/strong>: 2-2-2-2&#8230;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Objective<\/strong>: double each support with unilateral assistance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Continuous aid without bilateral encumbrance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frees one hand to interact with the environment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotes smooth and natural walking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good maneuverability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Disadvantages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maximum efficiency on even ground<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Less suitable for irregular or complex outdoor environments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">One Crutch<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Support<\/strong>: unilateral and intermittent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rhythm<\/strong>: 2-1-2-1-2-1&#8230;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Objective<\/strong>: temporarily double one support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lightweight device, easy to carry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One hand remains free<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suitable for moderate disorders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Disadvantages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Requires good postural balance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stabilizes only one side<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interpreting Support Rhythms<\/h2>\n\n<p>Each walking rhythm indicates a level of stability:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1<\/strong>: single-leg support (unstable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>2<\/strong>: one foot + one support (moderate balance)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>3<\/strong>: one foot + two simultaneous supports (maximum stability)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>An unstable patient will spontaneously seek to avoid single-leg support and adopt a three-beat gait, which is more secure.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n<p>There is no universal aid: each clinical situation calls for individualized consideration. The number of support points, their continuity, the lateralization of the impairment, and the patient&#8217;s functional capabilities will guide your choice. The goal is not simply to offer assistance, but to support a process of functional recovery, empowerment, or sustainable compensation.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding Criteria and Options<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12273,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[109],"tags":[],"profils-type":[],"expertise":[],"situation":[331],"profils-et-pathologies":[],"class_list":["post-12279","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-article","situation-other-articles-health-professional"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12279","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12279"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12279\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12280,"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12279\/revisions\/12280"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12273"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12279"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12279"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12279"},{"taxonomy":"profils-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profils-type?post=12279"},{"taxonomy":"expertise","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/expertise?post=12279"},{"taxonomy":"situation","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/situation?post=12279"},{"taxonomy":"profils-et-pathologies","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wheeleo.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profils-et-pathologies?post=12279"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}