WALKERS

WALKERS

Advantages and disadvantages are associated with the use of a walker and should be considered when prescribing a walker as an assistive device for any patient.

• Advantage - Maximum support for the patient

• Disadvantages

  • Slow and awkward gait

  • Creates bad posture and walking habits

  • Limited to indoor use in most cases

  • Cannot be safely used to climb stairs (especially the standard walker)

• Indications

  • Best suited for patients who are confused or who have an unsafe gait because of poor balance (eg, patients with hemiplegia, patients with ataxia)

  • Early gait training

• Measuring prescription

  • Place the front of the walker 12 inches in front of the patient. The walker should partially surround the patient.

  • Measure the proper height of the walker by having the patient stand upright with his/her elbows flexed 20°.

• Components

  • Tubular aluminum or other tubular metal

  • Plastic handgrips

  • Rubber-tipped legs

TYPES OF WALKERS

STANDARD WALKER (PICKUP WALKER)

• Most walkers are lightweight and very durable.

• Standard walkers have adjustable legs, accommodating a large percentage of patients.

• To use the standard walker for ambulation, the patient must have the upper extremity strength necessary to lift the device and place it forward.

ROLLING WALKER (FRONT-WHEELED WALKER)

• The rolling walker has wheels on the front legs; these wheels promote the walker's movement.

• The rolling walker does not require as much strength and balance to maneuver as the standard walker does, because the patient does not have to lift it from the floor.

• Rolling walkers are used by patients who, because of poor coordination of the upper extremity and trunk, are unable to lift the walker and move it forward.

• Disadvantages

  • The front wheels may create instability if they are not used properly.

  • Proper supervised training session is required to ensure patient safety.

RECIPROCAL WALKER

• This device has swivel joints that permit reciprocal action, with each side of the walker moving in alternation with the other.

• An advantage of the reciprocal walker is that it allows a quicker and less awkward gait.

FOREARM SUPPORT WALKER

• Indications

  • Patients with forearm deformities (wrists or hands) or pain

  • Patients with elbow flexion contracture

• Disadvantage - Heavy

STAIR-CLIMBING WALKER

• This device requires good balance and great strength of the upper extremities.

• The stair-climbing walker is prescribed for young patients with paraplegia.

• A U-shaped extension is a possible additional component. This extension provides extra support in order to enhance stability for stair climbing.

HEAVY-WHEELED WALKER WITH FOLDAWAY SEAT AND REMOVABLE BACK

• Indication - Indoor institutional use

Disadvantage - Heavy, awkward, and unsafe.