How to Walk Using Parallel Bars

There are many types of injuries and medical conditions that affect a person's ability to walk, including neurological disorders such as stroke or traumatic brain injury and orthopedic conditions such as fractures. Parallel bars consist of two bars--usually made of metal--mounted on a wooden platform typically 10 to 12 feet long. Parallel bars are very useful in the process of learning to walk again. Early on they are used to provide leverage during a sit to stand transfer. They are used for support during balance activities and leg-strengthening exercises. As mobility improves, parallel bars provide a safe way to practice walking skills.

Instructions

• 1

  Position your wheelchair or a standard chair at one end of the parallel bars. If you are using a wheelchair, remember to lock the brakes.

• 2

  Scoot forward in your chair, bend your knees, lean forward and push up from the arm rests of your wheelchair or chair until you come to a standing position. Hold onto the parallel bars once you are standing. If you don't have enough strength to push up to a stand, reach up and grab the parallel bars from a sitting position, and then pull yourself up onto your feet.

• 3

  Begin walking by first moving your hands forward along the bars at approximately the distance you plan to step. Take a step with your weaker leg first, supporting part of your body weight through your arms as you grip the parallel bars. Bring your stronger leg up to meet the weaker leg. Continue to hold the parallel bars and repeat these steps until you reach the end of the wooden platform.

• 4

  Turn around by grabbing the bar next to your stronger leg with both hands. Take small steps with your feet while turning your body. Once you are able to reach, grab the opposite bar with one hand and center yourself on the platform.

• 5

  Walk along the length of the parallel bars as previously described. At the end of the platform, turn around using the same directions in Step 4 until your backside is in front of your wheelchair or chair. Take small steps backward while continuing to hold the parallel bars until you feel the chair touching the back of your legs.

• 6

  Reach back and grab the arm rests on both sides of the wheelchair or chair, and slowly lower yourself into a sitting position. This will prevent the chair from slipping out from underneath you as you sit down.