4.4 Fitting of parallel bar

in front of a standing mirror. Each of the horizontal bars is mounted on two adjustable vertical posts to allow for easy adjustment of height of the parallel in accordance with the anthropometric parameters of the users. The entire horizontal bars form the handgrip for the users. The vertical posts are fixed to the floor or joined together for stability of the parallel bar. The horizontal bars are about 18 inches apart; and are set at the same height by the vertical posts which are about 11 feet (340 cm) long. Pediatric parallel bars are also available with adjustable height. The horizontal bars are usually made of wood; while the vertical posts are made of different materials such as stainless steel, aluminum steel or iron. The material used to manufacture the parallel bar determines the weight, durability,

Parallel bar fixed together for stability. There are knobs on the vertical poles for adjusting the height.

1. It provides maximum stability: the fact that users (patients) are positioned between the two parallel bars gives room for further stability in addition to the

2. It requires the least amount of coordination: the present of the two parallel bars also makes coordination a lot easier; as users holds onto the bars as he/she

3. It is the best ambulatory device to practice ambulation, particularly at the onset of ambulatory training. As it creates confidence in the patient and also

4. It can be used to determine other ambulatory device the user will use because the patient performance within the parallel bar will indicate the ability to use

1.User's ambulation is limited within and between the parallel bar, although guided by the mirror positioned at the other end of the parallel bars.

2. It is stationary (usually not moveable): parallel bars are usually permanently positioned at a particular place in the treatment room or medical gymnasium. The patient has to be moved (usually on wheelchair) to the parallel bars.

presence of the therapists at either side of users.

reduce the fear of falling in the patient.

other type of ambulatory devices.

4.3 Disadvantages of parallel bar

cost, strength, comfort and safety.

4.2 Advantages of parallel bar

Figure 5.

Prosthesis

moves along.

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Parallel bars are usually adjustable, the heights of the bars are adjusted to fit the user. The adjustment is estimated base on the user's height. The bars should be at the level of the greater trochanter of the user and the elbow joint should be able to flex to about 20 or 30 degrees when the user grips the horizontal bars. Further adjustment of the heights of the bars is made, with the view to fit the parallel bars to the user's height, immediately the user is position in standing position, where there is need. Usually the adjustment of the parallel bar is fixed at two- and half-inch interval or less depending on the manufacturer and the user (adult or pediatric).
