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
*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
ACTIVATOR Poles | Nordic Walking/Hiking Poles | |
Straps | Strapless to reduce the risk of injury – Knobloch et al., 2006 | Straps |
Grip | Ergonomic CoreGrip | Thin handle |
Wrist position (stress) | Neutral | Extended |
Weight bearing & locking system | button lock – 200 lbs/pole (90 kg) |
twist lock: 40-90 lbs/pole (18 – 41 kg) Flip lock: 120 lbs/pole ( 55 kg) |
Core Strengthening | downward pressure on CoreGrip ledge | downward pressure on strap |
Anti-Vibration | 3 features (tip, grip, ferrule) | May or may not |
Tips | large bell-shaped rubber tips to keep poles vertical for max stability & off loading | no tips, small tips, or boot tips for position on a diagonal |
Adjustable | ACTIVATOR Poles – 4 to 6 ft & New ACTIVATOR2 Poles – up to 6 ft 4″ | may or may not be adjustable |
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).
For moderately steep slopes, simply decrease the pressure on the base of the handles or drag your poles behind you. For steep slopes, keep your poles upright and in front and out to the side slightly, so if you do fall you won’t land on your poles. Bend your knees and elbows, and slow down any momentum. For long descents, it may be helpful to lengthen the poles.
–Barb Gormley, Director of Education
Tips from the Best