Which device provides the smallest base of support?

• A. Cane
• B. Walker
• C. Crutches
• D. Wheelchair

Answer: (A)

Base of support is the area that remains in contact with the ground to support the body. The larger that area, the more stable the person is. A cane provides only a single point of contact with the ground, so it creates the smallest base of support among common mobility aids. A walker touches the ground at four points, giving a wide, stable base. Crutches provide two ground-contact points, which is larger than a cane but smaller than a walker, depending on stance. A wheelchair isn’t used for standing balance; when seated, it doesn’t contribute to the standing base of support in the same way as the other devices. So the cane yields the smallest base of support.