Gait Support Devices: Canes, Walking Poles, and Cueing Attachments

October 23, 2026 6 min read

Changes in strength, balance, and walking patterns can develop, especially in older adults. These changes can make exercise, everyday activities, and getting around safely increasingly challenging.

But the answer is not to move less. A gait support device can provide additional stability and help older adults stay active.

Most people are familiar with options such as traditional canes. But they are not the only type of walking support available.

In some cases, quad canes, walking poles, and specialized cane accessories may be the best options for meeting mobility needs. Physical support from mobility aids is also only one way to address walking difficulties. Some specialized accessories can provide cues that may help improve walking patterns and gait.

Understanding the options and how these devices work can make it easier to select the right device.

What Causes an Unsteady Gait in Older Adults?

An unsteady gait in older adults can occur for various reasons. Causes include:

Arthritis
Vision problems
Medication side effects

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, most gait and balance disorders involve multiple contributing factors.

Neurological disorders, including stroke and Parkinson's disease, can also affect movement, balance, and walking. For example, some people with Parkinson's disease experience freezing of gait.

The American Parkinson's Disease Association defines freezing of gait as:

A sudden, short, temporary episode in inability to move the feet forward despite intending to walk.

An unsteady gait may also appear as uneven or short steps, trouble maintaining balance, or shuffling. These changes can increase the risk of a fall and may limit activity.

Gait changes can have different underlying causes. It is helpful to have a healthcare professional evaluate new or worsening walking difficulties.

Quad Canes vs Walking Poles for Balance and Stability

Besides a traditional cane, quad canes and walking poles can also provide additional walking support. But they may meet different needs.

Quad Canes

A quad cane has a four-point base, which provides more stability than a traditional single-point cane. It may be a good option for individuals who need additional support when walking or standing.

Walking Poles

Walking poles are handheld, stick-like devices. They are usually used in a pair to provide stability on both sides of the body. The poles provide additional points of contact with the ground when walking.

Walking poles for seniors can provide additional stability and may help support an upright walking posture. The poles may also have adjustable heights and tips designed for different walking surfaces.

Matching the Device to Your Needs

Whether a person should use a quad cane or walking poles depends on where they will use it. It also depends on how much support they need.

Someone who walks independently but wants additional support for balance may find walking poles provide enough assistance.

Individuals with significant balance issues and mobility limitations may find a quad cane better meets their needs.

How to Use Walking Poles Correctly for Support

Learning how to use walking poles correctly helps provide optimal support. It may take a couple of tries to get the hang of it and follow a natural walking pattern.

Consider the steps below on how to use walking poles properly.

Adjust the poles to the appropriate height. The elbows should have a slight bend instead of being completely straight.
Move the opposite arm and leg together when taking a step. For instance, the left pole moves forward as the right foot steps forward. Then alternate sides with each step. This pattern follows the natural arm swing movement used during walking.
When walking, keep the poles relatively close to the body without reaching too far forward.
Maintain good upright posture and avoid leaning heavily on the poles. The poles should provide additional support but not carry most of the person's body weight.

Best Walking Poles for Seniors With Balance Issues

The best walking poles for seniors with balance issues may vary based on individual mobility needs. Walking poles should provide reliable support and be comfortable and easy for an older adult to use.

Adjustable walking poles are helpful because they let you customize the height to the user. Proper height positioning makes the poles more comfortable to use and promotes a more natural gait.

The weight of the poles is also important. Lightweight walking poles are usually easier to maneuver. Walking poles that are too heavy can be uncomfortable and may lead to an unnatural walking pattern.

The tips are another consideration when choosing walking poles. For example, rubber tips provide traction on hard surfaces. Other tip designs may be better suited for trails.

Collapsible walking poles are easy to store and transport, which might be important for some people.

Cane Accessories and Cueing Attachments That Improve Stride

Both cane accessories and cueing attachments can make mobility aids more functional and help address different walking needs. The specific accessories needed may depend on a person's mobility or how their mobility changes over time.

Cane Tips and Everyday Accessories

Cane accessories can include replacement tips that provide additional stability. Some replacement tips feature a multi-point pivoting base that maintains contact with the ground when the user moves. This can also allow the cane to stand upright when not in use.

Other useful accessories include wrist straps, carrying bags, and cane holders.

Cueing Attachments for Walking Support

Some accessories provide an additional layer of support with technology designed to assist with walking. This is especially helpful for individuals experiencing freezing of gait due to Parkinson's disease or other conditions (i.e. stroke or multiple sclerosis).

The NexStride Walking Cue System is a portable device that attaches to a cane, walker, or walking pole. It provides two external cues to help assist with gait.

The visual cue involves a laser projected onto the floor to provide a target to step over and also guides step length.
The auditory cue provides a rhythmic beat that promotes a steady walking pattern. It helps an individual step to the beat and guides walking speed.

Both types of external cues can help address challenges with initiating a step and maintaining a steady walking pattern. NexStride can be attached to an existing mobility device to provide additional walking assistance.

Choosing the Right Gait Support Device for Daily Use

The best gait support devices for daily use depend on:

The level of assistance needed
Where the device will be primarily used

For instance, someone who needs significant stability for everyday activities may benefit from a quad or traditional cane. People who only need additional support for longer or outdoor walks may find walking poles the best choice.

The right gait support device may also be convenient and easy to use, such as folding canes that are compact for transportation.

The best device may also depend on specific walking and mobility challenges. For example, some individuals may need more than just physical support alone. Technology, such as a cueing device, can help with specific issues such as freezing of gait.

No one gait support device is best for everyone. To choose the most appropriate device, consider strength, walking environment, balance, and walking challenges.

It is also helpful to consult a physical therapist. They can recommend the type of support that best matches an individual's mobility needs.

FAQ

What causes an unsteady or shuffling gait?

Shuffling or an unsteady gait can result from various problems, including:

Muscle weakness
Medication side effects
Certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease

Many factors can cause changes in walking. Evaluation by a healthcare professional is helpful for new or worsening symptoms.

Are walking poles better than a cane for balance?

Whether walking poles or a cane is better for balance usually depends on the individual's mobility needs. For example, walking poles provide two points of support. They may work well for active adults, especially those who go for walks outside and need additional stability.

A cane may be a better option for someone who:

Needs support during everyday walking
Has balance problems
Has weakness that primarily affects one side

How do you use walking poles correctly?

Adjust the height of the poles to keep your posture upright and the elbow slightly bent. Keep the poles close to the body. Move one pole forward as the opposite foot steps forward, similar to a natural arm swing while walking.

What are the best quad canes for seniors?

The best quad cane is the one that provides the appropriate level of stability and comfort. Consider the base size, cane weight, height adjustment, and tip traction. If you're unsure which device to choose, a healthcare professional can determine the most appropriate cane style and fit for your needs.

Can a cueing attachment be added to a cane or walker?

Yes, some cueing systems are designed to attach to an existing cane, rollator, or walking poles. Cueing attachments may improve gait and stride, especially in individuals with certain neurological conditions such as: