ACTIVATOR compared to other devices

Patented 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 MD MHSc FRCSC, Past President of the Canadian Spine Society

Activator Poles compared other devices 

	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	8 current/recent studies on Activator Poles
Self-image	Ability	Disability	Disability	Disability

*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

Visit Research & Health to see 8 independent recent/current studies specifically on the ACTIVATOR Poles and a summary of more current Nordic walking studies (250+ studies listed on PubMed).