Right-sided weakness occurs for reasons that include stroke, multiple sclerosis or injury. Such weakness often makes walking and maintaining proper balance a challenge. In health care, physical therapy gait belts promote safety and can help caregivers move patients with right-sided weakness during therapeutic exercise sessions and while going about daily routines.
Right-Sided Weakness
Muscle weakness, or paralysis on the right side of the body, is a common effect of a stroke. The severity of weakness typically depends on the length of time the brain is deprived of blood. While some stroke effects are temporary, others are permanent. Physical therapy for stroke victims focuses on restoring strength to promote independent living.
Weakness on the right side of the body could also be a symptom of multiple sclerosis, a disease that results when the body's immune cells damage the nervous system. Multiple sclerosis has no cure and the disease often makes walking without assistance difficult or impossible.
Physical Therapy Gait Belt
Gait belts are typically made of nylon, canvas or leather and have a buckle with a lock attached to one end. A caregiver can use a gait belt to move a patient with right-sided weakness from one location to another and can be used to keep a patient in an upright position while she attempts to walk. The gait belt increases safety for the patient and for the caretaker, who must "fall" with the patient to prevent catastrophic injury.
Proper Use and Safety
Place the gait belt around the patient's waist. The belt must be on top of the clothing, and the buckle must be in front. Slide the belt through the buckle and then insert the front end of the belt into the two openings that close and serve as a lock. The lock secures the device, which remains fastened during falls. A gait belt with a proper fit allows you to slide your fingers between the belt and the person's clothing snugly.
Bend at the knees and maintain a straight back when lifting the person. To prevent injury to yourself, lift using your arm and leg muscles, rather than your back muscles, and do not twist your body. Lessen the effects of unpreventable falls by drawing the person as close to your body as possible and then slowly lowering the person to the ground.
Gait Belt Considerations
Avoid pulling on the arm of a person with right-sided weakness to prevent falls. Provide additional balance and support for the person during a walk by using your hand to cup his upper shoulder and position your hand under the belt from the bottom to ensure you have firm grip. Aim to walk slightly behind the person and remain on his right, or weaker side.
