A multidimensional evaluation of a four-wheeled walker

Walkers provide technologically simple help for people affected by diseases that disturb balance and/or support. However, very little research has been conducted on walkers in terms of their efficacy and efficiency. This is unfortunate given the fact that walkers offer a partial solution to problems involving falling among the elderly population. An experimental four-wheeled walker was evaluated using objective, observational, and self-report methods and contrasted with the individual's own walker. This part of the project represented an initial-impressions phase. Results from this first phase indicate that the experimental walker increased users' speed, and that it enhanced performance when used on ramps. Conversely, observational data indicated that some problems controlling the walker may occur when attempting to perform tasks that compete with stabilizing the walker such as opening and closing household appliances. Although positive findings were achieved, a longitudinal experimental design that incorporates an evaluation in the individual's home environment must take place to ascertain whether the results can be generalized to functional use over time.