Words can be confusing, let’s make it easier!
Physiotherapists can help in the training and recovery of functional mobility. Sometimes terminology can be confusing, so here’s a few common terms that may be used in your session.
Bed mobility: includes rolling/turning in bed, scooting in or along the bed, sitting over edge of bed with or without support of a person or bedrails/equipment
Functional Transfer: the method of getting from one surface to another usually either through a squat pivot, stand pivot or stand step method. A common example would be transferring from a wheelchair to the bed, or wheelchair to commode.
Some helpful youtube videos on various types of bed mobility and transfers
(with full credit to Alexandra Hospital):
One-Man Pivot Transfer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9toJHSV9oI&list=PLhWJTUQgcr3oS3RymT43PXJRRWEFTcgx0
One-Many Step Transfer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBVJi1LlOBQ&list=PLhWJTUQgcr3o65l1eT1-djxO8oZmbCoqF
Two-Man Pivot Transfer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFUbQmPqrF0&list=PLhWJTUQgcr3qcRIOXcMqpqOBXLmUI5TBZ
Car Transfer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmj0Pcki5ik&list=PLhWJTUQgcr3psYTRyw8J_ASxEGvevbilV
Sit to stand: The transition from a sitting position (for example from a chair, wheelchair or bed) to full standing with or without assistance of a person, walking aid, and/or equipment
Ambulation: Description of ability of walking including if the person is able to walk on their own (independently) or with assistance from their caregiver (with how much assistance. May also be with or without a walking aid, and/or other equipment (for example an orthosis)
Gait: A person's pattern of walking. Physiotherapist will observe and analyse the patient’s gait to determine what to work on in the session. This is in conjunction with a formal assessment which includes reviewing the patient’s medical diagnosis and other contributing factors. Common gait disorders after stroke or with other neurological conditions may include, but not limited to, circumduction gait, antalgic gait, stiff knee gait, and ataxic gait.
Walking aids: Objects that assist in walking (or other functional mobility such as transfers). May include, but not limited to, walking stick, narrow based quad stick, broad based quad stick, walking frame, rollator frame, axillary crutches, forearm crutches. Physiotherapists will typically assess your gait and determine which walking aid would be suitable for you. The suitability of a walking aid may change throughout your rehab journey, so regular reassessments are important
Examples of walking aids:
Orthosis: Externally applied device that is designed and fitted to the body to achieve one or more goals including but not limited to: improve function, maintain stability, reduce pain, and/or increase independence. They can refer to orthosis that can be used when sleeping or while standing/walking. Various types of AFO (ankle foot orthosis), KAFO (knee ankle foot orthosis), HKAFO (hip knee ankle foot orthosis), spinal orthosis
Examples of orthosis:
