Walker (mobility)
Walker (mobility)
A walker or walking frame is a tool for disabled or elderly people who need additional support to maintain balance or stability while walking. The basic design consists of a lightweight frame that is about waist high, approximately twelve inches deep and slightly wider than the user. Walkers are also available in other sizes such as pediatric walkers or bariatric walkers.
Pronunciation
- Walker: /ˈwɔːkər/
Etymology
The term "walker" comes from the Old English "wealcan" which means "to roll". In the context of the mobility aid, it refers to the action of walking with support.
Related Terms
- Cane (walking stick): A cane is a stick used by many people to assist them in walking. Canes can help redistribute weight from a lower leg that is weak or painful, improve stability by increasing the base of support, and provide tactile information about the ground to improve balance.
- Crutch: A crutch is a mobility aid that transfers weight from the legs to the upper body. It is often used by people who cannot use their legs to support their weight, for reasons ranging from short-term injuries to lifelong disabilities.
- Wheelchair: A wheelchair is a chair with wheels, used when walking is difficult or impossible due to illness, injury, or disability.
- Mobility aid: A mobility aid is a device designed to assist walking or otherwise improve the mobility of people with a mobility impairment.
- Rollator: A rollator is essentially a walker with a wheel at the bottom of each leg. There are 3 wheel rollators and 4 wheel rollators.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Walker (mobility)
- Wikipedia's article - Walker (mobility)
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