Walking aids

Single-point cane

Draft — clinical review required

A cane gives a small extra point of support and sensory feedback.

Cane-assisted walking (three-step pattern)Illustrative example — prescribed sequence, not a model prediction
Involved limb
Right
Device
Single-point cane
Device side(s)
Left hand
Weight-bearing
Weight-bearing as tolerated on the right — as prescribed
LRforward ↑

Start position. Press play or choose a step.

0/6

Highlighted items moved in this step. Coloured foot = involved limb. Guard on the involved side and supervise until safe. Weight-bearing must follow the actual prescription.

Stairs up with cane and handrailIllustrative example — prescribed sequence, not a model prediction
Involved limb
Right
Device
Single-point cane + handrail
Device side(s)
Handrail in the right hand, cane in the left hand
Weight-bearing
Weight-bearing as tolerated on the right — as prescribed
step edgestep edgestep edgestep edgestep edgestep edgestep edgehandrailLRforward ↑

Start position. Press play or choose a step.

0/4

Highlighted items moved in this step. Coloured foot = involved limb. Guard on the involved side and supervise until safe. Weight-bearing must follow the actual prescription.

Stairs down with cane and handrailIllustrative example — prescribed sequence, not a model prediction
Involved limb
Right
Device
Single-point cane + handrail
Device side(s)
Handrail on one side, cane in the other hand
Weight-bearing
Weight-bearing as tolerated on the right — as prescribed
step edgestep edgestep edgestep edgestep edgestep edgestep edgehandrailLRforward ↑

Start position. Press play or choose a step.

0/4

Highlighted items moved in this step. Coloured foot = involved limb. Guard on the involved side and supervise until safe. Weight-bearing must follow the actual prescription.

Go deeper

Open each part when you are ready.

Purpose and broad suitability
  • Mild balance impairment or unilateral pain/weakness.
  • Provides limited weight-bearing support.
Fitting principles
  • Handle at the level of the wrist crease with the arm relaxed.
  • Elbow slightly flexed when holding the handle.
  • Usually held in the hand opposite the involved limb.
Required balance, coordination and upper-limb capacity
  • Good standing balance; adequate hand grip.
Walking sequence
  • Cane and involved limb advance together or in sequence, then the uninvolved limb.
Turning
  • Take small steps; turn toward the stronger side where appropriate; keep the cane close.
Sitting down and standing up
  • Stand up by pushing from the chair arms, then take the cane.
  • Sit down: back up until legs touch the chair, reach for the arms, lower slowly.
Common errors and safety
  • Cane held on the wrong side.
  • Cane too far forward or to the side.
  • Incorrect height.
  • Guard on the involved side (or as appropriate) and provide supervision until safe.
Device-specific limitations
  • Not for significant weight-bearing restriction.

Apply it

For a right-leg problem, the cane is usually held in…

Open the Movement LabWalking-aid sequences are shown in the step demonstration above; the Movement Lab does not include devices.

Sources and review status

Draft — clinical review required

Starting points for verification. Validated protocols are linked where available; clinical content has not yet been reviewed.

Learning objectives
  • Explain the purpose and broad suitability of a single-point cane.
  • Describe fitting principles and the walking sequence.
  • Identify common errors and safety considerations.
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