Walkers: Difference between revisions

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== Introduction  ==
== Introduction  ==


A '''Walker ''' is a [[Walking Aids]] that has four points of contact with the ground and usually has three sides with the side closest to the patient being open. It provides a wider [[Base of support]] than a [[Walking stick]] and so is used more to stabilise patients with poor [[Balance]].  
A '''Walker '''is a [[Walking Aids|walking aid]] that has four points of contact with the ground and usually has three sides with the side closest to the patient being open. It provides a wider [[Base of support]] than a [[Walking stick]] and so is used more to stabilise patients with poor [[Balance]].  


== Variations of Walkers   ==
== Variations of Walkers   ==
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[[Category:Open_Physio]]
[[Category:Open_Physio]]
[[Category:Assistive devices]]
[[Category:Assistive devices]]
[[Category:Older People/Geriatrics]]

Revision as of 07:13, 15 January 2019

Introduction[edit | edit source]

A Walker is a walking aid that has four points of contact with the ground and usually has three sides with the side closest to the patient being open. It provides a wider Base of support than a Walking stick and so is used more to stabilise patients with poor Balance.

Variations of Walkers [edit | edit source]

  • Wheels on all four legs, with or without brakes
  • Two front legs with two rear casters
  • Two front legs and two rear wheels with brakes which operate on downward pressure on the wheels
  • "Square" wheels
  • Ability to be folded, which makes travelling with the frame easier

Usage[edit | edit source]

Walkers should be adjustable in height, which is measured in the same way as one would measure for a Walking stick. A Zimmer frame is used in the following way. The patient:

  • Picks it up
  • Moves it forwards
  • Places it in front of them
  • Leans on the frame, taking weight through the upper limbs)
  • Walks into it (the patient should be encouraged to take two small, even steps to avoid a disordered Gait pattern)

References[edit | edit source]

References will automatically be added here, see adding references tutorial.


  • Hollis, M. (1994). Practical exercise therapy. Blackwell Science. ISBN 0632024771