Parallel walking bars

Parallel Bars Buying Guide: How to choose the right parallel bars for professional use in your physiotherapy facility

Parallel bars provide targeted support for adults and children when (re)learning to walk and for balance and coordination training. To help you find the ideal solution for your facility, this buying guide gives you a clear overview of how they work, adjustment options, variants, space requirements, safety aspects and maintenance. This enables you to make a well-founded, efficient choice tailored to your therapy and rehab work.

1. What are parallel bars?
2. Patient groups and areas of use
3. Adjustability of the parallel bars
4. Fixed vs. mobile
5. Dimensions and space requirements
6. Handrails
7. Safety and certification
8. Care and maintenance

 

1. What are parallel bars?

Parallel bars are specialised training equipment used primarily in physiotherapy, rehabilitation and medical exercise therapy. They essentially consist of 2 stable, parallel handrails mounted in height-adjustable supports. These handrails provide patients with secure support and orientation during gait training – similar to railings on both sides of a narrow path. Typical parallel bars are either firmly anchored to the floor or mounted on a non-slip platform to ensure maximum safety. 

 
2. Patient groups and areas of use

Parallel bars are used for a wide range of patients. Typical users include people in orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation – for example after a stroke, with multiple sclerosis, after hip or knee surgery, amputations or age-related mobility limitations. Children with developmental delays or neurological conditions also benefit from gait exercises on the bars. Areas of use range from inpatient rehab clinics and physiotherapy practices to hospitals as well as geriatric and paediatric facilities. Training on parallel bars helps restore or maintain mobility, improve balance and coordination, and prevent falls.

3. Adjustability of the parallel bars

Individual adjustability is a key quality feature of modern parallel bars. Particularly important are the adjustable height and variable distance between the handrails. These options allow the bars to be optimally adapted to each user’s height, arm reach and training needs. Many units offer stepless or multi-level height adjustment, sometimes even without tools. On some models, the handrails can also be moved sideways to vary the walking width and accommodate wheelchair users or taller patients. 

Benefits of individual adjustment

Flexible adjustability offers several advantages. It not only enables comfortable and safe training, but also supports different treatment stages – from the first attempts at standing and walking through to more demanding mobilisation exercises. Especially in facilities treating diverse patient groups, individual adjustment ensures optimal care and adds ergonomic value to therapeutic work. 
 

 

4. Fixed vs. mobile

Fixed parallel bars are permanently installed in one place, usually bolted to the floor or mounted on a wall. They are an integral part of the room and remain at their designated location. In contrast, mobile parallel bars are mounted on a stable base with castors, allowing them to be moved flexibly within a room or between different areas. Mobile bars can often be dismantled or folded without tools to change location quickly or save space. 

++ Advantages of fixed parallel bars: 

• Very high stability and load capacity 
• Maximum safety for intensive therapy applications 
• No risk of slipping or shifting 
  

 

++ Disadvantages of fixed parallel bars: 

• Location-bound, no mobile use 
• Fixed space requirement, not flexible for room changes 

 
++ Advantages of mobile parallel bars: 

• Flexible use in different locations 
• Space-saving storage and easy repositioning 

++ Disadvantages of mobile parallel bars: 

• Potentially less stable under very intensive loads 
• Requires regular checks for secure positioning 

 

Conclusion: Fixed parallel bars are recommended for facilities with a high patient volume, dedicated therapy rooms and a focus on maximum safety and stability, such as large rehab clinics or hospitals with their own therapy departments. If highly stability-intensive applications are planned or heavy patients train regularly, permanently installed bars are usually the better choice. Mobile parallel bars are ideal for smaller practices, care homes or facilities that need flexible therapy equipment or use rooms for multiple purposes. They offer flexibility when training areas change or space is limited. They are also advantageous for temporary use, for example with patients who require only short-term therapy.

5. Dimensions and space requirements

Parallel bars are available in various standard sizes and designs. Typical lengths range from 250 cm to 350 cm. The distance between the handrails is usually adjustable and typically ranges from approx. 40 to 80 cm to offer optimal training comfort for different patients. Most models allow height adjustment of the handrails from around 70 to 110 cm. For paediatric therapy, there are special shorter and lower versions to ensure child-friendly use. 

To ensure safe and comfortable use, sufficient free space around the parallel bars is essential. There should be at least 60–100 cm of clear movement area on each side. For fixed models, the space at both ends must also be considered so that getting on and off is easy. Similar requirements apply to mobile bars, with additional space needed for manoeuvring, especially when repositioning or storing them in the room. 

In summary: When planning parallel bars, you should allow at least 5 to 8 m² of space including movement areas to ensure safe therapy situations. 

6. Handrails on parallel bars: materials and designs

The handrails are the key point of contact on parallel bars and play a crucial role in comfort, safety and functionality. They are usually made of easy-care thermoplastic, coated metal or robust wood. High-quality models feature non-slip surfaces that provide a secure grip even with moist hands and minimise the risk of slipping. 

Ergonomics and user-friendliness: Ergonomic design is essential. An optimal handrail has a diameter of 30 to 45 mm, offering a comfortable, easy-to-grip surface for both children and adults. For therapeutic use, rounded ends are important to prevent injuries and ensure continuous support. 

Hygiene and adjustment options: Manufacturers also ensure that handrails are easy to clean and resistant to disinfectants – a clear advantage in everyday clinical practice. Depending on requirements and patient group, handrails can sometimes be adjusted in height, distance or even angle to optimally support individual therapy goals. 

7. Safety and certification

With parallel bars, user safety is paramount. Key safety features include a stable construction, non-slip handrails, lockable or non-slip feet and sufficient load capacity to reliably support the user’s weight. Rounded edges and shatterproof components minimise the risk of injury during training, while a level, grippy standing surface provides additional safety. Simple and secure adjustment of height and width is also important to prevent unintentional changes. Parallel bars used in therapeutic and medical settings are subject to strict requirements and generally need to be classified as medical devices. In Europe, the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) is particularly relevant.  

8. Care and maintenance

Regular care and maintenance are crucial to ensure the long-term functionality and safety of parallel bars. The first step is material-appropriate cleaning. Handrails and frames made of metal, plastic or wood should be cleaned and disinfected according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For varnished wood, a damp cloth with a mild cleaning agent is recommended, while metal and plastic parts can usually be treated with standard surface disinfectants. Regular, proper cleaning significantly contributes to hygiene and user protection. Routine checks of all mechanical components are equally important. Screws, adjustment mechanisms and supports should be checked at regular intervals for secure fit and flawless function. Particular attention should be paid to moving parts and stability, as these can become safety-relevant weak points. If any issues such as play in the handrails or damaged parts are detected, they must be repaired or replaced immediately. 

Practical tip: All maintenance and cleaning work carried out should be documented. Complete maintenance records serve as proof of the device’s proper condition and support facilities during internal quality audits and in meeting legal requirements. 

Do you have questions about a specific set of parallel bars or about equipping an entire therapy area? Feel free to contact us by phone or send us an email via our contact form.