Reviewed research indicates that gait performance with wheeled walkers is typically better than with standard walkers. Although not appropriate for all patients requiring a walker, wheeled walkers in general and rollators in particular, probably merit broader utilization.
References
1.
Van BennekomC. A. M.JellesF.LankhorstG. J., & KuikD. J. (1996) Value of measuring perceived problems in a stroke population. Clinical Rehabilitation, 10, 288–294.
2.
BohannonR. W.AndrewsA. W., & SmithM. B. (1988) Rehabilitation goals of patients with hemiplegia. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 11, 181–183.
3.
ChiouI-I. L., & BurnettC. N. (1985) Values of activities of daily living. Physical Therapy, 65, 901–906.
4.
CornerlyH.GarciaJ., & PeredaA. (1997) Comparing ambulation with a rollator walker and a two-wheeled rolling walker. Physical Therapy, 77, S72. (Abstract)
5.
FoleyM. D.ProxB.CrowellR., & BooneT. (1996) Effects of assistive devices on cardiorespiratory demands in older adults. Physical Therapy, 76, 1313–1319.
6.
HamzehM. A.BowkerD., & SayeghA. (1988) The energy costs of ambulation using two types of walking frame. Clinical Rehabilitation, 2, 119–123.
7.
Hudson-DucasseG. A.Torres-MorenoR., & MelisE. H. (1997) Analysis of posture, cadence and walking speed in walker-dependent elderly subjects. Physiotherapy Canada, 49, S11. (Abstract)
8.
MahoneyJ.EuhardyR., & CarnesM. (1992) A comparison of a two-wheeled walker and a three-wheeled walker in a geriatric population. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, 40, 208–212.
9.
MedleyA., & ThompsonM. (1997) The effect of assistive devices on the performance of community dwelling elderly on the timed up and go test. Issues on Aging, 20, 3–7.
10.
PrajapatiC.WatkinsC.CullenH.OrugunO.KingD., & RoweJ. (1996) The “S” test—a preliminary study of an instrument for selecting the most appropriate mobility aid. Clinical Rehabilitation, 10, 314–318.
11.
VerbruggeL. M.RennertC., & MadansJ. H. (1997) The great efficacy of personal and equipment assistance in reducing disability. American Journal of Public Health, 87, 384–392.
