For patients who have weakness on one side of the body, such as those with hemiplegia or hemiparesis often seen after a stroke, the mobility device especially useful is a hemi walker.
Why a Hemi Walker?
- A hemi walker is designed specifically for individuals with weakness or loss of function on one side of the body.
- It provides a broader base of support than a standard cane or even a quadruped cane, offering greater stability.
- The design allows patients to maintain continuous weight bearing safely and stably, even if one upper extremity is weak or non-functional.
- It is considered a type of walker with four legs but is used primarily on one side, making it ideal for unilateral weakness
Other Relevant Devices
- Standard walkers provide a large base of support but are generally better for patients with bilateral lower limb weakness or poor balance, not specifically for one-sided weakness
- Canes, including offset or quad canes, can help with mild to moderate unilateral weakness but offer less support than a hemi walker and may not be sufficient for significant weakness on one side
- Crutches require good upper body strength and coordination and are more suited for temporary injuries rather than chronic unilateral weakness
In summary, the hemi walker is especially useful for patients with weakness on one side of the body due to its design that supports unilateral impairment while providing a stable and broad base of support
