Mobility aids - facts, benefits and tips

Mobility aids are tools and technologies that are designed to assist or enable mobility. They range from walking sticks and crutches to walking frames and wheeled walkers, to power and manual wheelchairs and scooters, and even to cutting-edge inventions such as robotic legs and exoskeletons. It is fair to suggest that anybody who requires help to move around may use mobility aids.

A common misunderstanding is that only those with disabilities or medical conditions require mobility aids. In fact, some people can walk independently and only need some support in stability, while some others require assistance to walk. Still some others are unable to walk even with help. Based on these different circumstances, a wide range of mobility aids have been designed to provide tailor-made comfort and independence to all those in need.

Before deciding to purchase mobility aids, it is vital that individuals first investigate why they have become increasingly unstable on their feet by consulting their doctors or professional physiotherapists. Medical treatment is available, and an appropriate amount of exercise may help strengthening muscles and joints.

If it has become evident that the purchase of mobility aids is necessary, then individuals should discuss with their doctors or professional physiotherapists to verify which types of equipment best suit their needs. A series of mobility aids should be examined and tried out before the appropriate one is selected for purchase.

Purpose of mobility aids

In general, mobility aids are used for two purposes – as part of a rehabilitation programme when the user is recovering from an injury or operation, and as a long-term assistance when the user has a permanent difficulty with moving around. In the first case, walking sticks and crutches offer a higher level of mobility, as they are easy to operate and can be used on stairs with correct techniques. Meanwhile, walking frames provide more stability but are difficult to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

The ultimate aim of rehabilitation programmers’ is for individuals with physical or medical conditions to become capable of walking independently, without using mobility aids. However, in the case where complete recovery is not possible or someone is permanently affected by an illness or disability, mobility aids may be required for long-term use. In order to ensure that the most appropriate mobility aids are selected, and to assist individuals find their own unique balance and coordination, it is highly recommended that their physical abilities are assessed before any purchase is made. A thorough review of personal lifestyle and home environment is also
important.

Apart from providing stability, mobility aids facilitate individual walking patterns in terms of speed and evenness of their strides, assist their body weight distribution, help them maintain an upright body posture, and increase their confidence in their walking abilities. It is critically important, however, that all users of mobility aids are aware of how to use such equipment properly. Individual independence and safety may be seriously jeopardised if inappropriate mobility aids are used or incorrect techniques are adopted.