Activator Poles

Activator Poles may be beneficial for the following:
  • Diabetes
  • Group Exercise Programs
  • Osteoarthritis (mild)
  • Osteoporosis (mild)
  • Obesity
  • Mild Lower Extremity Injuries
  • Sport injuries
  • Psychological Issues (confidence, mood)
  • General activation

 

The Activator Poles may also be beneficial for the following conditions after assessment and direction of a trained medical and/or rehabilitation professional:

  • Cardiac Rehabilitation

  • Fall Prevention

  • Hip and Knee Replacements (once fully weight bearing)

  • Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) with no visual neglect

  • Repetitive or Soft Tissue Injuries (post acute phase)

  • Multiple Sclerosis (mild to moderate)

  • Parkinson’s disease (mild to moderate stage)

  • Cane or walker users
  • Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
  • Arthritis (moderate stage)


Benefits and limitations of the Activator poles compared to canes (based on research or clinical observations).

Activator Walking Poles

Cane
  • Bilateral support
  • Unilateral support
  • Improves posture (research)
  • Can promote leaning to the one side
  • Additional weight bearing and stability capability
  • N/A
  • Weight bearing occurs through the wrist in a functional position
  • Weight bearing occurs through the wrist in a flexed position
  • Improves core strengthening and caloric intake (research)
  •  N/A

Features of the Activator walking poles as a walking device compared to other fitness walking poles.

Other walking poles on the market have a different design and technique that were developed for outdoor fitness.

Activator Walking Poles

Nordic Walking/Fitness Walking Poles
  • Strapless handle system.  A recent study by Knobloch (2006), found that using walking poles is safe but the highest rate of injury is related to the strap
  • All walking poles for fitness with the exception of the Urban Nordic walking poles come with a strap
  • Ergonomic handle-weight bearing occurs though the base of the handle with the wrist in a functional position
  • Most walking poles have a thin handle and force is placed on the strap with the wrist in flexion
  • Button lock system
  • Turning lock system which can be difficult to secure for those with arthritis in their hands
  • Bell shape tip for more stability and balance
  • Boot shape tip that propels user forward to increase walking speed
  • 3 features to reduce vibration
  • Some poles have vibration reducing features.
  • Technique designed to increase stability and balance.  Less exertion is required compared to Nordic walking technique or fitness walking
  • To be used in conjunction with the Nordic walking/fitness techniques

When Do you Refer your Client the Activator vs Urban poling poles.

Activator

Series 300/4Life or Adventure
  • Will be using the poles for weight bearing
  • Active Adult
  • Using the poles for stability and balance
  • Short term injury or rehab
  • Limited hand grip due to arthritis or RSI
  
  • Obesity effecting walking ability
  

Funding

  • Veteran's Affairs Canada, Aids for Daily Living (POC1) -Walking Device or related to rehabilitation goals
  • BC Ministry of Housing and Social Development (permanent disabilities)

For some specific clients and goals

  • Extended Health Benefits
  • Auto Accident Benefits