Walking frames improve balance and stability, and can support the weight of the user. Walking frames require enough strength in the upper body to safely pick up the walker, place it in front of the body and step towards it. Some designs have wheels on all four or just two legs, which help to conserve energy as the walker does not have to be lifted. However if the user places too much of their body weight on a wheeled walker it may roll away, leading to a fall.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Walking frames can be of assistance to a person within the workplace, allowing them to mobilise safely and independently. Consideration will need to be given to accommodate the person using the walker to ensure that there if sufficient room to manoeuvre and access doorways.
Some walking frames have forearm support for those who are unable to bear weight through straightened arms or hands. Walking frames require greater demands on attention than canes, particularly for standard walkers.
Some disadvantages of walking frames include difficulty moving through doorways or crowded areas and the inability to use them on stairs. They also reduce normal arm swing and result in abnormal posture while walking.
Standard four legged walkers have rubber tips on the end that should come into contact with the floor simultaneously. They are the most stable type of walker but a little slower as they need to be picked up in order to be moved forward.
Front wheeled walkers have two wheels and are suitable for people who have difficulties lifting or walk too fast for a standard walker. It allows a more normal walking pattern, but less stability. Four wheeled walkers can be used when only minimal walking support is required.
It is recommended that a health professional be consulted prior to using a walking frame, to ensure the correct frame is selected, correct height is established and safe use of the frame explained to the person. For more information about gaining such advice please see the link below:
For information regarding other types of walking aids see the links below:
References
Independent Living Centres Australia 2010, Walking and mobility aids: Walking frames – non folding, Independent Living Centres Australia, viewed 10 June 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search3.asp?State=WA&MC=42&MinC=11.
Pedretti, L. 2001, Occupational Therapy: practice skills for physical dysfunction, Mosby, St Louis.
Sloan, H.L., Haslam, K. & Foret, C. 2001, ‘Teaching the use of Walkers and Canes’, Home Healthcare Nurse, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 241-246.
Trombly, C.A. & Radomski, M.V. 2002, Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction, 5th edn, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia.
Van Hook, F.W., Demonbreun, D. & Weiss, B.D. 2003, ‘Ambulatory Devices for Chronic Gait Disorders in the Elderly’, American Family Physician, vol. 67, no. 8, pp.1717-1724.