Walkers: Difference between revisions
Lauren Lopez (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
Lauren Lopez (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
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 [[ | 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|base of support]] than a [[Canes|walking stick]] and so is used more to stabilise patients with poor [[balance]]. | ||
== Variations of Walkers == | == Variations of Walkers == | ||
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== Usage == | == Usage == | ||
Walkers should be adjustable in height, which is measured in the same way as one would measure for a | 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 | *Picks it up | ||
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*Places it in front of them | *Places it in front of them | ||
*Leans on the frame, taking weight through the upper limbs) | *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 [[ | *Walks into it (the patient should be encouraged to take two small, even steps to avoid a disordered [[gait]] pattern)<div class="researchbox"> | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 07:19, 15 January 2019
Original Editor - The Open Physio project.
Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton, Lauren Lopez, Admin, Jess Bell, Kim Jackson, Rachael Lowe, Jeremy Bryan, Larisa Hoffman, Abbey Wright, Ammar Suhail, WikiSysop, Redisha Jakibanjar, Robin Tacchetti and Naomi O'Reilly
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]
- Hollis, M. (1994). Practical exercise therapy. Blackwell Science. ISBN 0632024771
