It is very important to properly fit a client for an assistive device. Having a properly fitted device helps improve the client's function while using the device, it is important for their safety, and the client's overall comfort while using the device which will encourage the client to use the device.
To fit a client for a cane the handle should be in line with the client's wrist crease, ulnar styloid, or greater trochanter. When the client is holding the cane, the elbow should be slightly flexed to about 20-30°.
For axillary crutches, the crutch length should be roughly the same length as the distance from the patient's forearm to the finger tips of the opposite hand. The arm pad should be roughly 1-1.5 inches under the axilla which is about 2-3 finger widths. The handgrips should be in line with the wrist crest, ulnar styloid, or greater trochanter when the client's hands are resting at the side.
Lofstrand crutches should have the arm band positioned 2/3 of the way up the forearm.
The platform walker should have the platform surface should be positioned to allow weight bearing through the forearm when the elbow is bent to 90° and the client is standing tall with his or her scapula relaxed. For the client to acid nerve compression, it is important to have the proximal ulna should be positioned 1-2 inches off of the platform surface. The handle of the platform should be positioned slightly medially to allow for a comfortable grip when the forearm is resting on the platform.
The rolling walker should have the hand grips at the level of the ulnar styloid, wrist crease, or greater trochanter. The elbow should be relaxed and flexed at 20-30°. The shoulders should also be relaxed and not elevated.
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