Assistive Devices

Assistive devices beneficial and extremely important in our field. It is important to make sure these devices, such as walkers, canes and crutches properly fit our clients. It is important to have them properly fit because:

1. When the devices are properly fit to the individual client, it promotes better body mechanics and better mobility while using the device.

2. It prevents further injuries, stress or trauma to the client's body.

A client that is using a device that is not properly fitted to them could possibly lead to a fall which would lead to more problems and issues for the client.


Fitting a client for assistive devices is easy and does not take much time. In order to fit a client for a cane or walker, the OT is going to identify some specific landmarks on the client's body. The handgrips should be at the ulnar styloid, wrist crease or greater trochanter. It is also important to note that the clients elbows and shoulders should be relaxed. For a platform walker, the client is positioned where the elbow is bent 90 degrees while standing upright. To avoid any nerve compression, the proximal ulna should be between 1-2 inches off the platform. The handle of the platform should also be fixed slightly medial to allow for grip.

For crutches, the landmarks that should be used to fit the device are the same for the cane and walker. However, for axillary crutches, the arm rest should be about 5cm below the axilla with the client's shoulders relaxed. For forearm crutches, the arm band should be positioned approximately 2/3 of the way up the forearm with the handgrips facing forward.