Walker (mobility)
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A walker (North American English) or walking frame (British English) is a device that gives support to maintain balance or stability while walking, most commonly due to age-related mobility disability, including frailty. Another common equivalent term for a walker is a Zimmer (frame), a genericised trademark from Zimmer Biomet, a major manufacturer of such devices and joint replacement parts. Walking frames have two front wheels, and there are also wheeled walkers available having three or four wheels, also known as rollators.
Walkers started appearing in the early 1950s. The first US patent was awarded in 1953 to William Cribbes Robb, of Stretford, UK, for a device called "walking aid", which had been filed with the British patent office in August 1949.[1] Two variants with wheels were both awarded US patents in May 1957,[2][3] and the first non-wheeled design that was called a "walker" was patented in 1965 by Elmer F. Ries of Cincinnati, Ohio.[4] The first walker to resemble modern walkers was patented in 1970 by Alfred A. Smith of Van Nuys, California.[5] In 2023, designs for the first open source walker were released after testing that could be digitally-replicated with a low-cost 3D printer, customized and reduced mass by 20%.[6]
Design
The basic design consists of a lightweight frame that is about waist high, approximately 12 inches (30 cm) deep and slightly wider than the user. Walkers are also available in other sizes such as
Use
The person walks with the frame surrounding their front and sides and their hands provide additional support by holding on to the top of the sides of the frame. Traditionally, a walker is picked up and placed a short distance ahead of the user. The user then walks to it and repeats the process. With the use of wheels and glides, the user may push the walker ahead as opposed to picking it up. This makes for easier use of the walker, as it does not require the user to use their arms to lift the walker. This is beneficial for those with little arm strength.
A walker is often used by those who are recuperating from leg or back injuries. It is also commonly used by persons having problems with walking or with mild balance problems.
Also related is a hemi-walker, a walker about half the size of a traditional walker which is intended for use by persons whose dexterity is limited or non-existent in one hand or arm. These walkers are more stable than a quad cane (a cane with four points that touch the ground, as opposed to one), but are not recommended as highly as a traditional walker for those who can use it.
Walker cane hybrid
A walker cane hybrid[8] was introduced in 2012 designed to bridge the gap between an assistive cane and a walker. The hybrid has two legs which provide lateral (side-to-side) support which a cane does not. It can be used with two hands in front of the user, similar to a walker, and provides an increased level of support compared with a cane. It can be adjusted for use with either one or two hands, at the front and at the side, as well as a stair climbing assistant. The hybrid is not designed to replace a walker which normally has four legs and provides four-way support using both hands.
Rollators
A different approach to the walker is the rollator, also called wheeled walker, invented by the
The rollator consists of a frame with three or four large wheels, handlebars and a built-in seat, which allows the user to stop and rest when needed. Rollators are also often equipped with a shopping basket. Rollators are typically more sophisticated than conventional walkers with wheels. They are adjustable in height and are light-weight, yet sturdier than conventional walkers. The handlebars are equipped with hand brakes that can be lifted or pushed downward to instantly stop the rollator. The brakes can also be used in maneuvering the rollator; by braking one side while turning the rollator towards that side a much tighter turning radius can be achieved.
A study in the 2000s found an increase in the use of rollators by young people "usually in their thirties who are setting a new standard for walking among young people". The researchers conclude that this might be helpful in alleviating the stigma that using a rollator currently carries.[11]
A Norwegian-made version of Wifalk's rollator won the 2011
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The original rollator, with hand brakes and a built-in seat, but without shopping basket
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A later variant of the rollator, where the seat also serves as lid for the shopping basket
Disabled dog walker
This type of walker provides support and stability to the dogs, while allowing them to rely partly on their hind legs and continue using them. It is suitable for dogs with mobility problems with hind legs (or unstable). It also helps them to exercise their back legs and can help maintain any partial mobility they may have left or, in some cases, help to improve it.[citation needed]
See also
References
- ^ Walking Aid – US Patent 2656874 Retrieved 2012-03-03
- ^ Invalid Walker – US Patent 2792052 Retrieved 2012-03-03
- ^ Orthopedic Walker – US Patent 2792874 Retrieved 2012-03-03
- ^ Walker or Walker Aid – US Patent 3165112 Retrieved 2012-03-03
- ^ Smith Invalid Walker – US Patent 3517677 Retrieved 2012-03-03
- ISSN 2411-5134.
- ^ Unlocking Mobility - The evolution of zimmer frames Evolution and design of zimmer frames.
- ^ Multi-configuration Walking Apparatus – US Patent 8291924 Retrieved 2012-11-09.
- ^ Innovationsinspiraton: Aina Wifalk – Rollatorn (in Swedish) Linked 2012-03-03
- ^ a b Rollator awarded reddot design award 2011 Linked 2012-03-03
- PMID 18503807.
External links
- American Family Physician, August 15, 2011: Geriatric Assistive Devices Retrieved 2012-03-03
- Mayo Clinic - Slide show: Tips for choosing and using walkers Retrieved 2012-03-03
- Walker Facts - Canadian non-profit information website about walkers and rollators Retrieved 2012-03-03
- Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Vol 86, January 2005: Assistive Devices for Balance and Mobility Retrieved 2012-03-03