Walker (tool) 2015663 224766054 2008-07-10T09:29:13Z Thijs!bot 1392310 robot Adding: [[fr:Déambulateur]] {{Unreferenced|date=December 2006}} {{Inappropriate tone|date=December 2007}} [[Image:Walker.JPG|thumb|150px|right|Modern-day walker]] A '''walker''' or '''walking frame''' is a [[tool]] for [[disabled]] people who need additional support to maintain balance or stability while [[walking]]. The modern walker was patented by Andrejs Muiza, who immigrated to the United States (Nashville, TN) from Latvia following World War II. It consists of a 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 (for children) or [[Bariatric]] (for overweight or obese persons). Modern walkers are height adjustable and should be set at a height that is comfortable for the user, but will allow the user to maintain a slight bend in their arms. This bend is needed to allow for proper blood circulation through the arms as the walker is used. The front two legs of the walker may or may not have wheels attached depending on the strength and abilities of the person using it. It is also common to see [[caster]] wheels or glides on the back legs of a walker with wheels on the front. === Walking a walker === The person walks with the frame surrounding their front and sides and their hands provide additional support by holding on to the top of the sides of the frame. Traditionally, a walker is picked up and placed a short distance ahead of the user. The user then walks to it and repeats the process. With the use of wheels and glides, the user may push the walker ahead as opposed to picking it up. This makes for easier use of the walker, as it does not require the user to use their arms to lift the walker. This is beneficial for those with little arm strength. A walker is a good tool for those who are recuperating from leg or back injuries. It is also commonly used by persons having problems with walking or with mild balance problems. Also related is a hemi-walker, a walker about half the size of a traditional walker which is intended for use by persons whose dexterity is limited or non-existent in one hand or arm. These walkers are more stable than a quad cane (a cane with four points that touch the ground, as opposed to one), but are not recommended as highly as a traditional walker for those who can use it. === Wheeled walkers === [[Image:Rollator.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A [[Europe]]an style rollator with hand-brakes and a 'shopping cart', the lid of which can be used as a seat]] [[Image:Rollator1.jpg|thumb|right|Rollator with hand brakes]] A wheeled walker, also commonly called a '''rollator''', is a walking frame with wheels. Current day rollators are usually more sophisticated than conventional walkers with wheels. They are adjustable in height and are equipped with a seat, and sometimes, with a basket; with the use of modern materials, they are light-weight yet sturdier. Modern wheeled walkers may provide a back which a person can lean against. A particularly important part of a rollator is hand brakes mounted on the top of the frame that can be lifted or pushed downward to stop the wheeled walker at once. The brakes can also be used in maneuvering the rollator; when turning, the user can brake on the side being turned towards in order to achieve a tighter turning radius. Modern rollators which have wheels that are at least seven inches in diameter and preferably, eight inches, ensure better reliability. Also, to the advantage of safety, convenience and durability of a wheeled walking aid and its parts, modern rollators use tubular seats, back seats and baskets with spacers and cushions, and rather than using simple hooks, are equipped with latches and release buttons.<ref name="patentstorm.us">{{cite web |url=http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/7052030-description.html |title=Wheeled walker |author=Michael Serhan | work={{Cite patent|US|7052030}} Issued on May 30, 2006 |accessdate=2008-02-24}}</ref> <!--A wheeled walker with wheels that are at least seven inches in diameter while having a seat with its top surface less than 20 inches high and accommodating a full size basket by using an inverted “u” shaped lower cross member with spacers that cushion the basket. Spacers carried on a rear upper cross member cushion the seat. The basket includes a pair of opposing vertical wires of substantially greater thickness than adjacent vertical metal wires and which extend upwardly into hooks that support the basket on a front upper cross member. A tubular seat back bears a tubular cushion having a radius of curvature such that the rearmost depth is about 3 to 8 inches, preferably 4 to 7 inches, most preferably 6½ inches, and the arc angle is about 110 to 120 degrees, preferably about 112 to 116 degrees, most preferably about 114 degrees. The tubular seat back is carried on tubular members received in respective opposing tubular receptors, each having an aperture receiving a latch locking the seat back to front legs of the wheeled walker that is spring loaded to jut from the aperture and which is connected by a lever to a release button jutting from another aperture.--> === The Zimmers === The [[British English]] common equivalent term for a walker is '''Zimmer Frame''' - from [[Zimmer Holdings]], a major manufacturer of such devices and [[joint replacement]] parts. In May 2007, a group of elder people in the [[UK]] formed a rock group to highlight the plight and difficulties associated with old age. They called themselves '''[[The Zimmers]]''' in recognition of this [[genericized trademark|generic]] term. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:Assistive technology]] [[Category:Tools]] [[de:Rollator]] [[fr:Déambulateur]] [[he:הליכון (עזר הליכה)]] [[nl:Rollator]] [[simple:Walker (tool)]] [[fi:Rollaattori]] [[sv:Rollator]]