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Gait Devices

This page contains reusable gait device and mobility aid option sets that therapy companies can copy and paste into their own RehabAlpha schemas.

These lists are commonly used in:

  • gait assessments
  • mobility evaluations
  • transfer documentation
  • prior level of function sections
  • current mobility sections
  • equipment recommendation notes
  • discharge planning
  • balance and fall-risk documentation

If your clinicians repeatedly document the same assistive devices, define them once with an options and reuse them across your forms.

When should I use a gait device list?​

Use a reusable gait device list when:

  • the same mobility aids appear in multiple forms
  • you want consistent wording across clinicians
  • you want reporting to be cleaner later
  • you want to avoid typing the same options repeatedly
  • you want prior, current, and recommended devices to use the same terminology

For example, instead of manually entering "Single Point Cane", "Rolling Walker", "Wheelchair", and "None" in several different inputs, you can define them once and reference them everywhere.

A note on terminology​

Mobility device terminology varies across organizations.

Some teams prefer simpler labels like:

  • Cane
  • Walker
  • Wheelchair

Others prefer more specific wording like:

  • Single Point Cane
  • Narrow Base Quad Cane
  • 2-Wheeled Walker
  • 4-Wheeled Walker / Rollator
  • Manual Wheelchair
  • Power Wheelchair

Because of that, the examples below are starting points. You should adapt them to match your clinicians’ language and documentation standards.

Example 1: Basic Gait Devices​

This is a simple, broad gait device list that works well for many organizations.

{
  id: "gait_devices_basic",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "None",
    "Cane",
    "Walker",
    "Wheelchair",
    "Crutches",
    "Rollator",
    "Knee Walker",
    "Scooter"
  ]
}

Common use cases​

  • quick mobility screening
  • basic prior level of function sections
  • high-level discharge planning
  • generalized therapy evaluations

Example 2: Detailed Gait Devices​

This version is more useful when your clinicians need more specific equipment choices.

{
  id: "gait_devices_detailed",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "None",
    "Single Point Cane",
    "Small Base Quad Cane",
    "Large Base Quad Cane",
    "Hemi Walker",
    "Standard Walker",
    "2-Wheeled Walker",
    "4-Wheeled Walker / Rollator",
    "Axillary Crutches",
    "Forearm Crutches",
    "Manual Wheelchair",
    "Power Wheelchair",
    "Transport Chair",
    "Knee Walker",
    "Scooter"
  ]
}

Why use this version?​

Use this version when:

  • equipment specificity matters
  • your therapists document exact gait device types
  • recommendations are part of the care plan
  • you want more precise reporting later

Example 3: Structured Gait Devices with Standardized Values​

This version uses { label, value } objects. It is useful when you want clinicians to see friendly labels while saving stable, standardized values.

{
  id: "gait_devices_structured",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    { label: "None", value: "none" },
    { label: "Single Point Cane", value: "single_point_cane" },
    { label: "Small Base Quad Cane", value: "small_base_quad_cane" },
    { label: "Large Base Quad Cane", value: "large_base_quad_cane" },
    { label: "Hemi Walker", value: "hemi_walker" },
    { label: "Standard Walker", value: "standard_walker" },
    { label: "2-Wheeled Walker", value: "two_wheeled_walker" },
    { label: "4-Wheeled Walker / Rollator", value: "four_wheeled_walker_rollator" },
    { label: "Axillary Crutches", value: "axillary_crutches" },
    { label: "Forearm Crutches", value: "forearm_crutches" },
    { label: "Manual Wheelchair", value: "manual_wheelchair" },
    { label: "Power Wheelchair", value: "power_wheelchair" },
    { label: "Transport Chair", value: "transport_chair" },
    { label: "Knee Walker", value: "knee_walker" },
    { label: "Scooter", value: "scooter" }
  ]
}

Why use structured options?​

Use structured options when you want:

  • cleaner stored values
  • more consistent reporting
  • easier downstream filtering
  • stable values even if display text changes later

Example 4: Cane and Crutch Devices​

This list is useful for more focused ambulatory aid documentation.

{
  id: "cane_and_crutch_devices",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "None",
    "Single Point Cane",
    "Small Base Quad Cane",
    "Large Base Quad Cane",
    "Axillary Crutches",
    "Forearm Crutches"
  ]
}

This version is helpful for:

  • outpatient ortho
  • post-operative mobility
  • partial weight-bearing workflows
  • focused ambulation documentation

Example 5: Walker Devices​

This list is useful when your workflow specifically focuses on walker types.

{
  id: "walker_devices",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "None",
    "Standard Walker",
    "2-Wheeled Walker",
    "4-Wheeled Walker / Rollator",
    "Hemi Walker"
  ]
}

This version is useful for:

  • gait training
  • walker progression documentation
  • discharge equipment planning
  • SNF and home health mobility workflows

Example 6: Wheelchair and Seated Mobility Devices​

Sometimes your workflow needs seated mobility options rather than purely gait-focused aids.

{
  id: "wheelchair_devices",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "None",
    "Manual Wheelchair",
    "Power Wheelchair",
    "Transport Chair",
    "Scooter"
  ]
}

This version is useful for:

  • wheelchair documentation
  • seated mobility planning
  • functional mobility evaluations
  • discharge recommendations

Example 7: Prior / Current / Recommended Device Statuses​

Sometimes the device list itself is not enough. You may also want a simple list for how the device relates to the patient.

{
  id: "gait_device_relationships",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "Prior Device",
    "Current Device",
    "Recommended Device",
    "Trialed During Session",
    "Not Currently Using Device"
  ]
}

This list is useful for:

  • mobility history
  • equipment recommendation notes
  • interdisciplinary communication
  • discharge planning

Using a gait device list in an input​

Once you define an options, you can reference it from radioInput, selectInput, or multiSelectInput.

Example: Primary gait device​

{
  id: "primary_gait_device",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Primary Gait Device",
  options: "gait_devices_detailed",
  placeholder: "Select a gait device..."
}

Example: Devices used during the session​

{
  id: "devices_used_during_session",
  type: "multiSelectInput",
  label: "Devices Used During Session",
  options: "gait_devices_detailed",
  placeholder: "Select all that apply..."
}

Copy/paste example: gait device section​

Here is a full example showing a reusable gait device list used in a small mobility section.

{
  id: "gait_devices_detailed",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "None",
    "Single Point Cane",
    "Small Base Quad Cane",
    "Large Base Quad Cane",
    "Hemi Walker",
    "Standard Walker",
    "2-Wheeled Walker",
    "4-Wheeled Walker / Rollator",
    "Axillary Crutches",
    "Forearm Crutches",
    "Manual Wheelchair",
    "Power Wheelchair",
    "Transport Chair",
    "Knee Walker",
    "Scooter"
  ]
},
{
  id: "gait_device_template",
  type: "template",
  label: "Gait Device Assessment",
  appliesTo: "evaluation",
  children: [
    "primary_gait_device",
    "additional_gait_devices",
    "gait_device_notes"
  ]
},
{
  id: "primary_gait_device",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Primary Gait Device",
  options: "gait_devices_detailed",
  placeholder: "Select a gait device..."
},
{
  id: "additional_gait_devices",
  type: "multiSelectInput",
  label: "Additional Devices Used",
  options: "gait_devices_detailed",
  placeholder: "Select all that apply..."
},
{
  id: "gait_device_notes",
  type: "textAreaInput",
  label: "Gait Device Notes",
  placeholder: "Document fit, safety, progression, and recommendations..."
}

PT example​

A Physical Therapist may want gait device options for prior function, current ambulation, and discharge recommendations.

{
  id: "pt_gait_devices",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "None",
    "Single Point Cane",
    "Small Base Quad Cane",
    "Large Base Quad Cane",
    "Standard Walker",
    "2-Wheeled Walker",
    "4-Wheeled Walker / Rollator",
    "Axillary Crutches",
    "Forearm Crutches",
    "Manual Wheelchair",
    "Power Wheelchair"
  ]
},
{
  id: "pt_gait_device_template",
  type: "template",
  label: "PT Mobility Devices",
  appliesTo: "evaluation",
  children: [
    "pt_prior_device",
    "pt_current_device",
    "pt_recommended_device"
  ]
},
{
  id: "pt_prior_device",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Prior Device",
  options: "pt_gait_devices"
},
{
  id: "pt_current_device",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Current Device",
  options: "pt_gait_devices"
},
{
  id: "pt_recommended_device",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Recommended Device",
  options: "pt_gait_devices"
}

OT example​

An Occupational Therapist may want a more functional mobility and equipment-oriented list.

{
  id: "ot_mobility_devices",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "None",
    "Single Point Cane",
    "Quad Cane",
    "Standard Walker",
    "2-Wheeled Walker",
    "4-Wheeled Walker / Rollator",
    "Manual Wheelchair",
    "Power Wheelchair",
    "Transport Chair",
    "Scooter"
  ]
},
{
  id: "ot_mobility_template",
  type: "template",
  label: "OT Mobility Devices",
  appliesTo: "evaluation",
  children: [
    "ot_primary_device",
    "ot_functional_mobility_notes"
  ]
},
{
  id: "ot_primary_device",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Primary Mobility Device",
  options: "ot_mobility_devices"
},
{
  id: "ot_functional_mobility_notes",
  type: "textAreaInput",
  label: "Functional Mobility Notes",
  placeholder: "Describe how the device affects ADLs, transfers, and safety..."
}

SNF example​

A skilled nursing workflow may need device options alongside supervision or safety notes.

{
  id: "snf_gait_devices",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "None",
    "Single Point Cane",
    "Quad Cane",
    "Standard Walker",
    "2-Wheeled Walker",
    "4-Wheeled Walker / Rollator",
    "Manual Wheelchair",
    "Power Wheelchair",
    "Transport Chair"
  ]
},
{
  id: "snf_mobility_template",
  type: "template",
  label: "SNF Mobility Devices",
  appliesTo: "evaluation",
  children: [
    "snf_current_device",
    "snf_backup_device",
    "snf_device_safety_notes"
  ]
},
{
  id: "snf_current_device",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Current Device",
  options: "snf_gait_devices"
},
{
  id: "snf_backup_device",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Backup / Alternate Device",
  options: "snf_gait_devices"
},
{
  id: "snf_device_safety_notes",
  type: "textAreaInput",
  label: "Device Safety Notes",
  placeholder: "Document safety concerns, cues required, and device management needs..."
}

Outpatient ortho example​

This example shows a common outpatient orthopedic pattern.

{
  id: "ortho_gait_devices",
  type: "options",
  items: [
    "None",
    "Single Point Cane",
    "Small Base Quad Cane",
    "Large Base Quad Cane",
    "Axillary Crutches",
    "Forearm Crutches",
    "Standard Walker",
    "2-Wheeled Walker",
    "4-Wheeled Walker / Rollator",
    "Knee Walker"
  ]
},
{
  id: "ortho_gait_template",
  type: "template",
  label: "Orthopedic Mobility Devices",
  appliesTo: "evaluation",
  children: [
    "ortho_current_device",
    "ortho_recommended_device",
    "ortho_weight_bearing_notes"
  ]
},
{
  id: "ortho_current_device",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Current Device",
  options: "ortho_gait_devices"
},
{
  id: "ortho_recommended_device",
  type: "selectInput",
  label: "Recommended Device",
  options: "ortho_gait_devices"
},
{
  id: "ortho_weight_bearing_notes",
  type: "textAreaInput",
  label: "Weight-Bearing / Mobility Notes",
  placeholder: "Document gait status, precautions, and device recommendations..."
}

Choosing the right version​

Use this quick guide:

  • Basic Gait Devices: best for broad general mobility documentation
  • Detailed Gait Devices: best for more precise therapy workflows
  • Structured Gait Devices: best when you want clean saved values
  • Cane and Crutch Devices: best for more focused ambulatory aid workflows
  • Walker Devices: best for walker-specific documentation
  • Wheelchair and Seated Mobility Devices: best for seated mobility and wheelchair workflows
  • Gait Device Relationships: best when you need to distinguish prior, current, recommended, or trialed devices

Naming tips​

Try to name gait device lists clearly so they are easy to reuse later.

Good examples:

  • gait_devices_basic
  • gait_devices_detailed
  • gait_devices_structured
  • walker_devices
  • wheelchair_devices

Avoid vague IDs like:

  • device_list
  • choices1
  • mobility_options_a

Common mistakes​

1. Mixing generic and highly specific labels without a plan​

For example, avoid mixing:

  • "Walker"
  • "2-Wheeled Walker"
  • "Rollator"

in one list unless that level of specificity is intentional.

It is usually better to choose either a broad or detailed list for a given workflow.

2. Combining gait devices and transfer equipment into one list​

A gait device list should usually stay focused on ambulatory and mobility aids.

Equipment like:

  • grab bars
  • shower chairs
  • raised toilet seats
  • hospital beds

often belongs in separate equipment lists.

3. Saving display labels when you really want standardized values​

If reporting consistency matters, use structured options like:

{ label: "Single Point Cane", value: "single_point_cane" }

instead of storing slightly different text labels over time.

4. Forgetting that “None” is often useful​

In many workflows, clinicians need an explicit way to indicate that no gait device is used.

Including "None" often makes documentation cleaner than leaving the field blank.

5. Making one mega-list try to cover every mobility scenario​

A single giant list can become harder to browse and harder to use.

It is often better to separate:

  • general gait devices
  • walker types
  • wheelchair types
  • device recommendation statuses

You may also want to build related pages for:

  • Assistance Levels
  • Precautions
  • Transfers
  • Body Regions
  • Patient Positions
  • Symptoms
  • Mobility Templates
  • Fall Risk

Next step​

After adding this page, strong companion articles would be:

  • lists/assistance-levels.md
  • lists/precautions.md
  • sections/mobility-and-gait.md

These pages pair naturally with gait device and mobility aid lists.