Commonly used in medical and health settings, gait belts are long belts typically made of nylon, canvas or leather. Although they vary widely in size, most belts are approximately 48 to 72 inches wide and 2 to 4 inches wide. The belt features a metal buckle at one end, through which the other end is threaded and secured. When used in a physical therapy setting, gait belts prevent injury and allow for patient security and privacy.
Uses
Gait belts have a variety of uses in a physical therapy session. Most importantly, they help provide support and prevent falls for unsteady patients. Physical therapists hold onto the gait belt as patients walk and perform exercises. If the patient begins to fall, the therapist can quickly regain balance or slowly lower the patient toward the ground or a chair. Gait belts are also used to transfer a patient from one location to another, such as from a bed to a chair, from a chair to the ground or from a wheelchair to a standing position.
Patient Benefit
When used properly, the gait belt prevents patients from injury as a result of falls. Gait belts can also give patients more confidence, since they often feel safer and more secure when a therapist is holding the gait belt. Using a gait belt also allows for patient privacy. With the belt in place, the physical therapist does not need to hold onto the patient's body during activities. If the patient falls, the therapist grabs onto the belt, rather than grasping onto part of the patient's body.
Therapist Benefit
Gait belts also protect physical therapists from injury. Lifting or moving a patient incorrectly can result in injury to the back, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. Use of the gait belt allows the therapist to maintain a straight back and bent knees, while using the arm and leg muscles to lift the patient's weight.
Safety Tips
Gait belts are placed over the clothing at the patient's waist with the buckle at the front of the body. If a female patient's breasts hang low near her stomach, be sure the gait belt is not resting over her breasts. Once the belt is buckled, it should have a snug fit against the patient's body. It should be just loose enough for you to slip your fingers underneath it. The use of gait belts is contraindicated among patients with certain medical conditions, including cardiac disease, rib fractures, pacemakers or advanced stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Additionally, gait belts may be unsafe to use on patients who have had recent back or abdominal surgery.
