A Guide to Assistive Equipment for Friedreich’s Ataxia

If you have Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), you know the rare genetic condition can damage your nervous system and cause movement issues.

As the degenerative disease progresses, you may experience decreased muscle coordination, lose strength and sensation in your arms and legs, have balance issues, and develop impaired speech, hearing and vision.

At some point, it may be necessary to use assistive equipment or mobility aids — such as a walker or wheelchair — to help you go about your day-to-day life.

Neurologist Ilia Itin, MD, explains how assistive equipment can help people with Friedreich’s ataxia and how to choose mobility aids that are right for you.

How assistive equipment can help

Assistive equipment and mobility aids can help you move around your home, complete everyday tasks and activities, ease fatigue and reduce the chance of injuries.

It’s important to note that the symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia usually start to appear during childhood — more specifically from ages 5 to 15.

At first, someone with FA may have trouble standing or walking and may need to use a walker. But as time moves on, symptoms can worsen, which may lead to needing different or additional forms of mobility aids.

“As the disease progresses, you may start with a cane or walker and eventually need a wheelchair or a motorized wheelchair,” explains Dr. Itin. “To determine what kind of assistive equipment you need, you should speak with your doctor to get assessed. Typically, physical therapy can also help with an assessment to see what kind of equipment you need.”

Here are some forms of assistive equipment and mobility aids commonly used by people with FA.

Cane

A cane, or a walking stick, is used to assist with walking by helping with balance and stability.

Canes come in different shapes, sizes and materials such as wood, aluminum and carbon fiber. It’s essential to select a cane that fits you best and that you work with your healthcare provider to learn how to use it properly.

Walker

This four-legged mobility aid provides stability and balance while you walk. Walkers may have rubber-tipped feet or wheels that move along with you.

As with a cane, it’s important to find a walker that fits you and your needs. Most walkers can be adjusted to your height. A healthcare provider can help determine the best option for you and provide advice on how to best use a walker.

Rollator

A specialized type of walker, a rollator has wheels (and in some cases, brakes) on three or four legs. You may opt to use a rollator (also known as a mobile walker) during errands such as shopping or while outside on uneven land.

Wheelchair

If walking becomes too difficult, you may need a wheelchair. This mobility aid consists of a chair, armrests, footrests and wheels (typically two or more) to help you get around.

A traditional wheelchair can be pushed by someone else or wheeled by the user. Power or electric wheelchairs are outfitted with a joystick or control panel to move around.

Scooter

A distant cousin to a wheelchair, a mobility scooter is a good option for people who have trouble walking or using a manual wheelchair. In a scooter, you’re seated with handlebars in front of you with controls for different speeds and brakes.

Scooters, which typically have three or four wheels, can be used inside and outside and are battery-powered. Many options can be folded up for transportation and some contain a basket in the front or back.

Handrails

Handrails can be helpful inside a home to go up or down a staircase, walk through a hallway or while bathing in the shower.

Handrails are typically made of metal and are attached securely to a wall. You want to make sure they’re installed at the best height and location for you.

Stairlifts

If going up or down a flight of stairs concerns you, a stairlift may be an option. Stairlifts can be installed indoors and outdoors.

A stairlift works by moving along a fixed track that’s attached to a staircase. You’ll need to sit in the chair and wear a safety belt or harness as it travels up or down the stairs.

Adaptive clothing

It may become challenging to button a shirt, zip pants or tie shoes. People with FA may benefit from using adaptive clothing, which is designed to be user-friendly.

For example, shirts may have magnetic or snap closures, pants may have an elastic waistband and shoes may be made with fabric fasteners.

Do I need to make changes to my home?

Dr. Itin says it all depends on the severity of the disease and your symptoms. And it can be costly to make changes or adaptations to your home and how it functions.

“You may benefit from a home safety assessment, which can help you determine what appropriate adjustments you may need to make,” he notes.

Changes may be recommended in areas such as the bathroom, where nonslip flooring or shower mats may help. Additionally, handrails can be installed in the shower, which can help support you as you bathe.

Another consideration is adding smart home technology. Options can include voice-activated lights, a robot vacuum cleaner and an app-controlled thermostat.

Bottom line?

Assistive equipment and mobility aids are designed with the user in mind. The goal is to make your daily life easier as you manage Friedreich’s ataxia and its symptoms.

You may need to adjust or add to what types of mobility aids you use as the disease progresses and if your symptoms become more severe.

“People with FA may encounter progressive issues with the ability to walk independently as the disease progresses,” says Dr. Itin. “Therefore, it’s important to use all available means of fall prevention to preserve quality of life and ensure mobility.”