But before that, let’s understand more about gait belts.
What Is A Gait Belt?
A gait belt is a mobility assistive device that is used to transfer patients who find themselves unable to walk freely safely. Patients wear gaitbelts when they need to be moved in and out of bed, chairs, and vehicles. They also help caregivers assist the patients in moving around, whether inside the house or in the medical center. These belts decrease the incidence of a back injury, which the caregiver might experience while transferring the incapacitated patient. Gait belts are made of leather, cotton, nylon, or canvas. There are two types of gait belts: standard gait belt and the quick-release gait belt.
Types Of Gait Belts
The next thing we need to be aware of is when we should use a gait belt.
When To Use And When Not To Use A Gait Belt?
A gait belt is not meant for every patient. It should be used only when the patient is partially dependent and possesses some weight-bearing capacity. Remember, a gait belt is an assistive device. Hence, it should never be used to move or lift patients outright. For patients who are unable to move with minimal assistance, a powered portable or mounted lift device should be used to transfer them safely. Patients with fairly good mobility but recovering from surgery or some condition that concerns the abdominal or lower back region should be cautious while using a gait belt. If the patient has any feeding tubes, catheters, or any other apparatus near the abdominal area, caution should be exercised while using a gait belt. In addition to this, gait belts should not be used for the following:
Patients with wide girths Patients with cognitive or combative defects Patients with conditions like severe cardiac condition, colostomy/ileostomy surgery, grave respiratory issues, abdominal aneurysm, and phobia of a belt Patients who have undergone recent abdominal, chest, or back surgery.
As mentioned before, gait belts are extremely helpful in transferring patients who are partially ambulatory and have some weight-bearing capacity. The National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), in partnership with the Veterans Health Administration, and the American Nurses Association, has established that gait belt is suitable equipment for safe handling and transfer of partially ambulatory patients having some weight-bearing capacity (1). The belt can be used in conjunction with a transfer board when sliding a patient from one level surface to another. However, we advise you to consult your physician before you decide to use a gait belt. Choosing the appropriate belt is important since the safety and security of both the caregiver and patient depend on it. To make your job easier, we have compiled a list of top 10 gait belts of 2022.
Top 10 Gait Belts Of 2022
1. Best Machine Washable:MABUA Physical Therapy Gait Belt With Metal Buckle
Mabua gait belts are made of 60% polyester and 40% cotton. Mabua was the first company to provide better safety loops for gait belts. This gait belt has only one loop for maximum transfer and safety. It comes in two different sizes – 60 and 72 inches. The metal buckle is easy to fasten. Since it is made of cotton and polyester, it can be easily cleaned in a high-temperature washing machine. This belt aids ambulance and wheelchair transfer. It is available in four different colors. The Mabua Physical Therapy Gait Belt is highly recommended by medical professionals. Pros
One loop for proper grasp and enhanced safety Durable material Machine washable Aids ambulatory aid and wheelchair transfer Easy to fasten the metal belt Recommended by therapists and nurses
Cons None
2.Best Cotton Fabric: Prestige Medical Cotton Gait Belt
The Prestige Medical Cotton Gait Belt is made of 100% cotton. This belt comes with a metal buckle, which makes it durable and secures the patients safe while they are being transferred. The belt is designed to suit a variety of waist sizes. The belt is 58 inches in length and is machine washable. Check out this review for a closer look into the features of this product. Pros
100% cotton Machine washable Comes with a metal buckle Stable, secure, and comfortable 58 inches long
Cons None
3. Best Durable:Secure Transfer And Walking Gait Belt With 6 Caregiver Hand Grips
The Secure Transfer and Walking Gait Belt-52 is made up of heavy-duty, soft nylon material. The reverse or reinforcement stitching guarantees its long life. The caregiver can use it to assist the patient with transfer, ambulation, and walking. The back section of this belt is more extensive, unlike other gait belts, thus providing more contact area with the patient. It comes with six caregiver hand grips, four vertical and two horizontal, so the caregiver can choose the best leverage point to handle the patient. The belt can fit waist sizes from 28″ to 48″. Pros
Quick-release durable buckle Machine washable 6 hand grips 4-inch back is wider than most gait belts One-year full replacement guarantee Durable nylon belt material
Cons None
4.Best For Stronghold:Vive Gait Belt
The Vive transfer belt allows the caregiver to ambulate patients easily. The quick-release metal buckle is secure and allows for easy adjustments. The belt is made of 100% cotton webbing and can hold up weight up to 500 Lbs. It has integrated elastic loops for securing any excess belt lengths from hanging down. It comes with a durable metal buckle, which makes it apt for ambulating bariatric patients. The teeth of the metal buckle help to create a stronghold, and the belt stays in place until the release latch is lifted. The Vive transfer belt helps transfer patients from wheelchairs, beds, and chairs. It can be used at home or in the hospital. Check out this honest review about the product for further details. Pros
Quick-release latch Has extra padding Machine washable Supports up to 500 Lbs Metal buckle for stronghold 60-day guarantee Can fit waist circumference up to 60″
Cons
Not durable
5. Best For Heavy Weights:Kinsman Enterprises 80317 Gait Belt
This gait belt is made of durable cotton webbing. The belt is 2 inches wide and 60 inches long. The buckle of this belt is made up of steel nickel chrome, which makes it suitable to support heavyweights. The heavy-duty cotton webbing helps in providing a secure grip. It is easy to clean and can be washed in a high-temperature washing machine. This belt comes with a one-year warranty. Pros
Made of 2-inch durable cotton webbing Easy to fasten and unfasten Steel buckle Color-coded Comes with a one-year warranty Works well for heavy users
Cons
Thickness is less.
6.Best Pocket-Friendly: LiftAid Walking Gait Belt
This high quality and affordable gait belt are made of heavy-duty webbing material. The LiftAid Belt is designed to assist in the transfer and walking of fall risk patients. The strong webbing and tensile metal buckle can hold up to 300 lbs of weight. The belt is easy to clean and can be washed in high-temperature machines. This product comes with a one-year warranty covered by EBP medical. Pros
Superior quality product Pocket-friendly Machine washable Strong webbing material Weight capacity up to 300 lbs Easy to fasten and unfasten One-year warranty
Cons
Thickness is less.
7. Best Universal Size:Medical Gait Belt By Trademark Supplies
This durable high-grade gait belt is made of heavy-duty super-soft nylon. Its 4-inch high back construction provides for greater weight-bearing capacity. Nurses and caregivers can use this belt to transfer heavier patients without making them experience any pain or discomfort. The belt has six handle grips firmly sewn vertically and horizontally to it. This helps the caregiver in easy ambulation of the care recipient by choosing the best leverage point. It comes with an adjustable quick-release buckle that provides the utmost security during the transfer of patients. This belt offers unsurpassed comfort to the patients and is available in a universal size. Pros
Made from durable, high-quality super-soft nylon Machine washable 6 handle grips Universal size 4-inch high back design for maximum comfort Adjustable and quick-release buckle
Cons
The plastic buckle is not robust.
8. Best Comfortable:Vive Transfer Belt With Leg Loops
This durable gait belt is made of sturdy nylon webbing. It has two adjustable leg loops to anchor the belt in place. The leg loops prevent the belt from riding up on the patient and aid even distribution of the weight. It comes with a durable metal buckle, which is sturdy enough to handle bariatric patients. The quick-release buckles make fastening and unfastening a hassle-free experience. The belt is adjustable and can be customized up to 55 inches in circumference. The best feature about the belt is that it comes with padded handle grips, which makes it comfortable for the caregiver to hold and ambulate the patient. There are four vertical grips at the back of the belt and two horizontal grips on the sides, which enable the caregiver to choose the best leverage point and provide maximum comfort to the care recipient. Pros
Extra secure leg straps Quick-release latch Strong grab handles All metal buckle Comfortable padded handles 60 days unconditional guarantee
Cons
Cumbersome Time-consuming
9. Best Wide Belt:Posey Handled Gait Belt
The Posey Handled Gait Belt is made of strong nylon webbing. This extra-wide nylon belt provides greater contact area with patients. It fits waist sizes between 30 inches to 66 inches. The multiple handles allow safe handling and transfer of patients. The rear support band of the belt is 6 inches wide, padded, and comes with seven handle grips. This belt comes with a quick-release buckle. The vertical and horizontal grips are firmly sewn to the belt and appropriately positioned to provide multiple leverage points to the caregivers for the maximum comfort of the patient and prevent any injury to both. The buckle of the belt is made up of heavy-duty plastic. Pros
Provides greater contact area with patients Sturdy plastic Strong snaplock More leverage points for comfortable handling of the patient Excellent for easy ambulation and transfer of heavier patients Machine washable
Cons
Not suitable for small waist sizes
10.Best Slip-Resistant: GUOER Tommhanes Transfer Belt
This waist supporter is made of nylon and sandwich mesh fabric with built-in pearl cotton. This amazing combination of materials makes it comfortable to wear. It comes with seven vertical and three horizontal handle grips, which help the nursing persons to adjust the patients in a comfortable and safe position from different angles at any time. The Tommhanes Transfer Belt is adjustable and has a night reflective strip. It comes with a user-friendly buckle and adjuster design. The adjuster is equipped with a slip-resistant ring. The patient’s outdoor rehabilitation, wheelchair sliding, and walking become safer due to the reflective night strip. It fits waist sizes from 32 inches to 52 inches. Pros
Breathable and comfortable material User-friendly buckle Slip-resistant ring Night reflective strip Safe gear for patients’ outdoor rehabilitation Hand washable
Cons
Not suitable for small waist sizes.
The market is brimming with several varieties of gait belts. We compiled the above list of 10 best gait belts after a thorough and extensive screening of the products. But, before you buy one, there are a few things you should know. Go through the following sections to understand how to use a gait belt and how you can choose the right one for you.
How To Use A Gait Belt
The gait belt can be used to lift or transfer someone from one place to another or assist in walking. The procedure to use a gait belt will depend on your purpose.
How To Use A Gait Belt To Transfer Someone
Help the patient into a sitting position and place the gait belt around the waist. Ensure that the buckle is positioned slightly off-center in the front to avoid discomfort for the patient. Never put the belt directly on the skin. Always place it on the patient’s clothes. If the patient is frail or thin, place a towel in between the belt and the patient’s body, and then put the belt on. Tighten the belt until it is snug, but make sure it is not too tight and uncomfortable. You should be able to slide two fingers in between the belt and the person’s body. Once the belt is secured safely, stand facing the patient, and bend your knees while keeping the back straight. Place your arms around the patient’s waist and put your hand under the belt. Once your grip is firm, straighten your knees while you hold the belt with one hand and place your other hand on the person’s back.
How To Use A Gait Belt To Assist Someone Walking
Stand behind and to the side of the care recipient. Use an underhand grip with your palm facing towards you. Hold the loop on the back of the gait belt firmly. Support the care recipient by walking with the pace set by him/her.
Here are a few points that you need to keep in mind while shopping for a gait belt.
Factors To Consider While Shopping For A Gait Belt
A gait belt is a fantastic gear for both the caregiver and the patient for providing stability and reducing fall risk. Physical therapists mostly use assistive mobility devices. However, if you plan to use it for your family member at home, do consult a physician before using it. Exercise caution while using a gait or transfer belt for the safety of both the caregiver and patient. Take your pick from the above list after consulting your physician and share your experience with us in the comments section below.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
We have browsed through several trusted online forums for user feedback and put together a list of the best-quality gait belts available on the market. Furthermore, we conducted exhaustive research and considered necessary parameters, safety requirements, and additional features while shortlisting the gait belts. These products work effectively to lend security and safety to patients and caregivers. Moreover, they are easy to use and durable. Why is a gait belt better than clothing? A gait belt is better than clothing because it provides a better grip and support to move a patient quickly from one position to another. When should you not use a gait belt? We should not use a gait belt to lift a patient as it is used only to assist in moving. What size gait belt do I need? A gait belt is usually 1-½ to 4 inches wide and 54-60 inches long, so depending on your size, you must choose it. How do you clean a gait belt? You can clean a gait belt with a mild soap or detergent but ensure that it is dry before use. What is the difference between a transfer belt and a gait belt? Gait belts are a type of belt that caretakers can hold onto to help prevent falls when the patient is walking or moving. On the other hand, a transfer belt is a tool a caretaker can use to help lift or move a patient from one location to another.
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