Features of Urban Poling Activator Walking Sticks
- Weight bearing per pole 200 lb (90 kg)
- Maximum User Weight 250 lb (114 kg)
- Designed for core strengthening, balance, and offloading while reducing strain on the wrist
- Wide ledge instead of a strap to reduce the risk of injury
- 3 Anti-vibration features to minimize stress on joints
- Adjustable to user heights to 6′ (182 cm)
- Bell-shaped tip for stability
- 2-section collapsible poles for travel
- FDA registered
When to use Urban Walking Poles?
Patented, evidence-based ACTIVATOR Poles (FDA registered) are designed for balance and taking more pressure off your back and lower joints. For use indoors as well as outdoors. These walking sticks are suitable for:
- Post-spinal stenosis surgery
- Older Adults Programs – Minimizing the Risk for Falls
- Hip and knee osteoarthritis
- Conditions that affect your balance: Parkinson’s, MS, Stroke
- Rehabilitation programs
- Pre and post-hip & knee replacement surgery
What to buy with Walking Canes
- Complete Medical Stand-Up Easy Lifting Cane Handle
- Complete Medical Cane And Crutch Rack
How to set up the Urban Poling Activator Poles?
- Stand tall with your poles upright and relax your arms, so your elbows rest at a 90-degree angle. This is the correct pole length for your height.
- Notice the perforated holes on the top portion of the pole.
- Pull the bottom portion of the pole downward and turn it until the silver stripe lines up with the holes.
- Continue to pull down on the lower part of the pole until the button pops into the correct hole for your height.
- You may need to adjust the pole slightly up or down before the button locks securely into place.
How to use the Urban Poles for Walking?
- Take hold of your poles:
- Make sure that the CoreGrip (handle) with the letter “R” is in your right hand and the pole CoreGrip with the letter “L” is in your left hand.
- Hold onto your poles with an easy grip, ensuring your hands go all the way around the CoreGrip.
- Stand tall and place your elbows at your sides at a 90-degree angle.
- Ensure the poles are always completely vertical.
- Keep your elbows bent the entire time you are walking.
- Begin walking:
- Step forward with the poles and walk in the same manner as regular walking: swing your right arm forward (with your elbow bent at 90 degrees) as your left foot steps forward.
- Keep the poles vertical and in front of your body at all times.
- Be sure that your upper arms swing forward and backward from the shoulders (not elbows) like pendulums.
- Check your posture and grip:
- Don’t grip the handles too tightly. Instead, press down on the Ledge with the outside edge of your hand to engage your upper body and core muscles and increase your stability and balance.
- Significant off-loading of weight into the poles will only occur if you apply a downward force to the Ledge.
Things to remember while using Urban Walking Poles
- Adapt your poles to different terrains & winter!
- Replace your tips periodically when the treads wear out or roughly once a year with regular use.
- Start by using your poles for only 1/3 of your maximum walking time and gradually increase your distance/time.
- Store your poles in a dry, moderate-temperature location. You can also purchase a carrying bag for travel or storage.
Precautions:
- DO NOT use the ACTIVATOR Poles on stairs unless trained by a therapist or other health care professional.
- ACTIVATOR Poles should not be used on ice.
- Always use both poles (except for people with strokes) unless advised otherwise by your healthcare professional.
- ACTIVATOR Poles may help to prevent or break a fall, but falling on them may affect pole integrity.
- Do not use poles that have fallen on or that have been damaged in any other way.
- Replace your poles approximately every 2 years if you are over 200 lbs (90 kg) or a heavier user. Use exceeds more than 5-10 km per week.
- Ask your therapist how to use the poles for transferring out of the car and use both poles.
