First Aid for Gait Aids: How to Ensure Safe Walking Aid Use

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT

Location: 202 to 204

Ideal Audience:Administrators, Physicians, Researchers, Residents/Fellows, Medical Students

Course Director(s)

Ranita H. K. Manocha, MD

Clinical Associate Professor
University of Calgary

Speaker(s)

Felix Nindorera, PhD (he/him/his)

Postdoctoral fellow
Université Laval
Jasmeet Sekhon, BSc

Research Assistant
University of Calgary
Evan Knox (he/him/his)

Undergraduate Student
Queen's University
Donald W. Golden, BS (he/him/his)

MD/PhD Student
University of Calgary
AO

Abby Oldford, MSc

Brief Session Description : In this highly dynamic session, members will learn about potential risks of using walking aids and the factors that increase injury risk with walking aid use. Members will then use a novel video feedback-based educational app in pairs to learn how to fit walking aids, perform assisted gait patterns, and how to navigate stairs and chairs with various walking aids. Members will then reflect on how this tool can be used to teach patients, clinical trainees, and clinicians about safe walking aid use in their individual work settings. You won't want to miss this exciting workshop!

COI
Unless noted below there are none.
Ranita H. K. Manocha, MD – Disclosed grant funding and leadership role (MSF Canada)
Donald W. Golden, BS – Disclosed peer support and academic scholarship funding

Session Objectives:

1. List 10 potential injuries that may result from using a walking aid

2. Identify 4 risk factors for walking aid-related injury

3. Utilize the interactive ICanWALK© video feedback-based educational tool that teaches walking aid skills

4. Reflect on how this tool can be used to teach healthcare providers, clinical trainees, and patients how to fit, walk with, and navigate chairs and stairs with walking aids in your individual work setting
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