Lesson Plan II
Crutch Training
Target Audience:
High School Students
Goal:
To help students understand how to use crutches correctly along with other
walking devices.
Objectives:
Students will learn how to use crutches properly.
Students will better understand the importance of using this walking device
properly.
Students will participate in activities that will educate them on adjusting crutches
to different body types.
Materials Needed:
4 sets of crutches
Stairwell
Crutch handouts
Important Facts: *Teach the class how to go over a crutch fitting. Proper fitting helps
you use your crutches safely and effectively. When fitting crutches, stand up straight and
wear the shoes you will normally use to walk.
The Crutches Fit If:
You can put 2 to 3 fingers between your
armpit and the top of the axillary pad.
Your arms are slightly bent at the elbows
when your hands are on the handgrips.
Your wrists are even with the handgrips when
your arms hang at your sides.
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To check fit: Place the tips 2 inches
in front and 6 inches to the side.
1. Activity One: Crutch Fitting (15min)
Divide class into 4 different groups. Give each group a set of crutches and have
them properly fit the crutches for 2 people in the group.
2. Activity Two: Walking on Crutches (20min)
Have the class stay in their groups from the previous activity. Give each group a
different weight bearing status paper given below (one group will teach the class
how to do stairs). Give the class time to look over their assigned status and have
them teach the rest of the class on how to use the crutches properly accordingly.
Group 1
Non-Weight Bearing: Non-weight bearing means that NO weight can be placed on the
operated leg. This is the most restrictive of all weight bearing limitations. Since you are
not able to bear any weight on the leg, an assistive device, such as crutches, will be
necessary for you to walk.
Push down on your hands and step the affected leg toward the crutches (not in line with
the crutches for the sake of balance). Carefully bring unaffected leg up to the affected
leg. The affected leg does not touch the ground. With practice you will be able to step
past the crutches.
Group 2
Toe Touch Weight Bearing: Toe touch weight bearing means that only the toes on your
operated leg are able to contact the ground. This is for balance only, however, and thus
no significant amount of weight should be placed through your toes. As a result, an
assistive device such as a walker or crutches will again be necessary for you to walk.
Step the affected leg up to the crutches and then step with the unaffected leg toward or
past the crutches (not in line with the crutches for the sake of balance).
Group 3
Partial weight bearing allows you to place half of your weight on the operated
extremity. Begin by using a scale to see how much pressure is on your affected leg when
half of your weight is placed on it.
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Step the affected leg up to the crutches and then step with the unaffected leg toward or
past the crutches (not in line with the crutches for the sake of balance).
Group 4
Stairs: When going up stairs you should lead with your unaffected leg. Step up with
your unaffected leg; bring your affected leg up, then the crutches. When going down
stairs first place the crutches on the step below, followed by the affected leg finally the
unaffected leg. Remember up with the good down with the bad!
Activity 3: Crutch Jeopardy (15min)
Keep the class in their commercial groups. Each section will have a value from 100 to
300 according to difficulty. First student to answer the question correctly will receive the
points for their team. Keep track of scores on the board. Winning team gets a treat!
Some example questions:
*How many fingers should you be able to put between your armpit and the top of the
axillary pad?
*What does partial weight bearing mean?
*When going up stairs you should lead with your ______________________leg.
*When going down stairs you should lead with your ___________________leg.
*The handgrip of the crutches should be even with the patients ______________.
*Why is it important to be educated about crutches?
*Elbows should be _________________ while standing with the arm rested on the
handgrip of the crutches.
*To check fit: Place the crutch tips ___________inches in front and ________ inches to
the side of our body.
* What does touch weight-bearing mean?
Summary and Evaluation- (2min)
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Proper fitting helps patients use crutches safely and effectively. Lack of knowledge can
lead to other accidents and injuries. Being educated on crutches can help you or loved
ones prevent falls or re-injuries.
*Ask students if they fell like they know more about crutches and the proper way to use
them.
*Ask students if they learned anything new today that could help them in the future.
*Ask students if they have any other questions.
*Thank everyone for his or her participation in the activities.
References and Resources:
Wasatch Peak Physical Therapy
“Fitting your Crutches”
http://meriter.staywellsolutionsonline.com/RelatedItems/3,86009
“Weight Bearing Restrictions”
http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/typesofphysicaltherapy/p/weightbearing.htm
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