ACTIVATOR Poles vs other devices
ACTIVATOR℗ Poles vs other devices
ACTIVATOR℗ Poles are revolutionizing rehabilitation and being used extensively in all continuum’s of health care. See a comparison below of the ACTIVATOR Poles compared to (or in conjunction) to passive mobility devices such as canes and to reduce/delay the use of crutches and even walkers* (under the assessment of rehab professional or physician).
They have been instrumental in promoting an upright posture and a functional walking pattern compared to canes and walkers. In my opinion they facilitate rehabilitation and return patients to optimal function faster.
Dr. Charles G. Fisher Surgeon MD MHSc FRCSC, Past President of the Canadian Spine Society
| Information | ACTIVATOR Poles | Canes | Forearm crutches | 4 wheeled walkers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Support |
Bilateral |
Unilateral |
Bilateral |
Bilateral |
|
Weight bearing |
200 lbs/pole (90.7 kg) |
Varies |
300+ lbs (136 kg) |
300+ lbs (136 kg) |
|
Stability |
2 contact points |
1 contact point |
2 contact points |
4 contact points |
|
Posture |
Upright |
Leaning to one side |
Leaning forward |
May promote kyphotic posture |
|
Arm swing |
Normal |
Limited arm swing on affected side |
Bilateral arm swing |
static |
|
Gait pattern |
Functional |
Leaning to one side |
Smaller stride |
Smaller stride & shuffle |
|
Core strength |
Increases |
Limited engagement of core muscles |
Limited engagement of core muscles |
Limited engagement of core muscles |
|
Wrist position (stress) |
Neutral |
Extended |
Extended |
Extended |
|
Rest option |
– |
– |
– |
Seat |
|
Basket |
– |
– |
– |
Yes |
|
Portability |
Easy-collapses & 3 lbs (1.36 kg) |
Easy |
Moderate |
Difficult |
|
Cost |
<109.99 to 149.99 |
<100.00 |
60.00 – 180.00 |
200.00 – 400.00 |
|
Research |
9 current/recent studies on Activator Poles |
– |
– |
– |
*As with any new rehabilitation or exercise program, please check with your physician or therapist prior to use of the ACTIVATOR or Urban Poles. If you are already using a cane, crutches or walker (or you would benefit from a device for walking), therapy or exercise may be required for improving core strength, balance and co-ordination prior to use of the poles.
*This chart outlines a comparison to other devices. Therapists should always follow their own assessment results and professional judgement to determine the suitability of poles for clients. Based on the assessment, it may be more appropriate for your client to use their cane, crutches and/or walker as their primary mobility device and use the ACTIVATOR℗ Poles for treatment sessions and/or as part of a regular exercise program.
ACTIVATOR℗ Poles vs other poles
New – ACTIVATOR2 Poles for clients up to 6' 4"(193 cm)
*Maximum user weight for ACTIVATOR is 250 lbs (113 kg)
*Maximum user weight for ACTIVATOR2 is 325 lbs (147 kg)