Nonambulatory vs. Ambulatory — What's the Difference?

Incapable of walking unaided.

Able to walk without assistance.

Lacking independent mobility.

Not needing mobility aids for walking.

Unable to walk without support.

Self-sufficient in mobility.

Not able to move about freely.

The ambulatory (Latin: ambulatorium, ‘walking place’) is the covered passage around a cloister or the processional way around the east end of a cathedral or large church and behind the high altar. The first ambulatory was in France in the 11th century but by the 13th century ambulatories had been introduced in England and many English cathedrals were extended to provide an ambulatory.The same feature is often found in Indian architecture and Buddhist architecture generally, especially in older periods.

Requiring devices or support for walking.

Of, relating to, or adapted for walking.

Not able to walk around.

Capable of walking; not bedridden

Designed for or available to patients who are not bedridden

Moving about; itinerant.

(Law) Relating to that which can be changed or revoked, as a will during the life of the testator.

An aisle around the back side of the chancel in a cathedral or other large church.

A covered place for walking, as in a cloister.

Of, relating to, or adapted to walking.

Able to walk about and not bedridden.

(medicine) Performed on or involving an ambulatory patient or an outpatient.

Accustomed to move from place to place; not stationary; movable.

(law) Not yet legally fixed or settled; alterable.

The round walkway encircling the altar in many cathedrals.

Any part of a building intended for walking in; a corridor.

Of or pertaining to walking; having the faculty of walking; formed or fitted for walking; as, an ambulatory animal.

Accustomed to move from place to place; not stationary; movable; as, an ambulatory court, which exercises its jurisdiction in different places.

Pertaining to a walk.

Not yet fixed legally, or settled past alteration; alterable; as, the dispositions of a will are ambulatory until the death of the testator.

A place to walk in, whether in the open air, as the gallery of a cloister, or within a building.

Able to walk about;

Capable of moving about freely.

Independent in terms of walking or movement.

Nonambulatory means unable to walk or move independently, often requiring support or aids.

Causes can include injuries, diseases, congenital conditions, or age-related factors.

Yes, determining whether a patient is Ambulatory helps in planning care and interventions.

Common devices include wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, or prosthetics.

Primarily, yes, but it can also imply the ability to move about freely.

Yes, many Nonambulatory individuals can move with the help of devices or support.

Not necessarily. Being Ambulatory means one can move about, but they might have other health issues.

While Ambulatory indicates the ability to walk or move without assistance, Nonambulatory signifies a lack of this ability.

No, many elderly individuals remain Ambulatory, though they might move slower or with aid.

Yes, with therapies, treatments, or recovery from temporary conditions, this transition is possible.

Absolutely, conditions like injuries or surgeries might temporarily render someone Nonambulatory.

Very important, as it impacts care decisions, patient safety, and potential interventions.

Yes, "ambulatory care" refers to medical services without an overnight hospital stay.

Often, with physical therapy and other interventions, some individuals can regain mobility.

It can affect independence, activities, transportation, and may require modifications in living spaces.