Parallel bars are a pair of wooden or metallic bars that stand about one foot apart supported by metallic posts that are anchored onto a nonskid walking surface.
Parallel bars are commonly used by physical therapists for patients who are learning how to walk again for example following a stroke, injury, or surgery to the legs.
Often parallel bars used in rehabilitation measure a distance of about 3 to 4meters.
The metallic posts should be adjustable to accommodate different patient heights.
This article will summarise the common uses of parallel bars and also show a simple way to DIY parallel bars at home.
Uses of parallel bars
Gait training
For anyone who has a compromised walking ability, parallel pars are unquestionably vital in learning how to walk before jumping onto other fancier walking aids.
Regaining balance and endurance
In physical therapy sessions, while using parallel bars, modifications can be made to walking styles like single-leg walking which improves balance.
Endurance can be built by incorporating exercises like squats or walking against resistance.
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Conditions where parallel bars are used
- Following a stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Injury to the femur
- Injury to the tibia
- Following surgery to the tibia and femur
- Learning to use a prosthetic leg
- After an injury to the spinal cord
- After hip and knee replacement surgery
How to make your own parallel bars.
You can make walking bars out of wood or metal depending on what you have on hand.
Get proper instructions from your physiotherapist so as to know the exact height and width of parallel bars you will need.
You may need the services of a welder.
This is best made from where it is going to be placed or used, for example, make them in the garage or workout room if that is where you will be using them from.
The walking surface must be a non-skid surface to prevent further injuries. This surface can be custom made or it could just be the floor of the rehabilitation room.
In conclusion, parallel bars are used during recovery to reteach gait and balance.
