The physical and emotional health benefits of a walking program are astounding! For patients recovering from an illness or injury, adding walking poles can provide stability, improve gait and posture, and strengthen the upper body. I was first introduced to walking poles while teaching the evidence-based falls prevention program, Stepping On, to community dwelling older adults. One segment used walking poles and I have been a fan ever since. My interest was renewed recently when I received a set of ACTIVATOR ™ poles from Urban Poling. The ACTIVATOR ™ poles were designed by a fellow OT practicing in Canada specifically for rehab and long term conditions. The design features a button locking system to adjust the height of the poles, a patented ergonomic grip, a Bell Shape tip to improve stability and is strapless to reduce the risk of injury. Check out their website at https://urbanpoling.com/ for more information.
Read on for a brief overview of the conditions that might be appropriate for the therapeutic use of walking poles, ways patients can benefit and some tips for use.
Enjoy!
Cheryl Hall, OT
Author and Illustrator, Occupational Therapy Toolkit
Conditions: Walking is a low cost, low barrier option for any patient that needs to improve functional mobility, but the added benefits of walking poles can be a boon for patients with the following conditions including:
- Arthritis
- Parkinson’s
- Rehab after hip, knee, ankle or foot surgery
- MS
- TBI
- Cardiac rehab
- Stroke
Benefits: In addition to all the gains a walking program can offer a patient, the use of walking poles adds some specific benefits.
- Relieves stress on low extremities
- Improves stability and balance
- Maintains better posture compared to a cane or walker
- Actively uses arms and upper body
- Promotes a more natural gait
- Helps to navigate steps, curbs and slopes
Tips for Use: Patients should be trained in the proper use of walking poles to gain the greatest benefit. Instruction should include these key points.
- Poles – When adjusted properly, the elbow should be at a 90° angle when the tip is resting on the ground.
- Straps – If the poles have straps the hand usually goes up through the loop. Straps distribute some of the load to the wrists and the hand grip is loose.
- Tips – Depending on terrain, a variety of tips may be available. For concrete or asphalt, a hard rubber tip is best. Basket tips are for softer surfaces like sand or snow.
- Gait – Opposite arm, opposite leg is the pattern used with walking poles. There are different techniques depending on whether the poles use straps.
Do you have a success story using walking poles with one of your patients? Let me know.
