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 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.
Other 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 (Pedretti 2001; Sloan, Haslam & Foret 2001; Trombly & Radomski 2002; Van Hook, Demonbreun & Weiss 2003).
Relevant links
References
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.