Which skill is foundational before the use of a cane?

The foundational skill before the use of a cane is best represented by pre-cane skills. These skills encompass the essential training and abilities that individuals need to develop before they can effectively use a cane for mobility. Pre-cane skills include understanding spatial awareness, basic orientation, developing sensory feedback mechanisms, and coordinating movements.

Engaging in pre-cane skills prepares a person for the practical application of cane use, ensuring they have a solid base of understanding and confidence in their mobility. This stage is crucial for fostering independence and ensuring safety while navigating environments, as it allows individuals to become acclimated to varied surfaces and obstacles they may encounter.

While dynamic balance, functional mobility, and route planning are all important components of mobility training, they typically come after a firm grasp of pre-cane skills has been established. Mastering pre-cane skills empowers learners to use a cane more effectively, allowing them to build upon their mobility techniques with confidence.