Walking frames, walkers and rollators

A walker or walking frame is a disability aid that assists someone who has restricted mobility, enabling them to walk rather than to use a wheelchair or mobility scooter. In the UK theses walkers used to be called zimmer frames although this name is used less frequently today. Walkers that incorporate wheels or castors are commonly referred to as rollators.

Walking frames come in a range of styles, sizes, designs and price ranges and they may or may not have castors (small wheels). Most walkers are made from a lightweight aluminium tubular frame with handles or grip rails. They work partly by allowing the arms and shoulders to take some of the weight that would normally be carried by the legs, but primarily by offering vital balance and stability support.

This support not only assists in the walking process, but it dramatically reduces the likelihood of falls whilst increasing the user’s confidence, independence and mobility.

Design of a walker

A good walking frame will be about waist high and wide enough for the person using it to fit within its frame. Most walkers are approximately 12 inches (300mm) deep (minimum) and they will normally have four legs. There is usually an adjustment feature that enables the level of the frame to be altered to suit the height of the person using it. Horizontal handles or bars at the top of the frame let the person using the walker hold on to it.

With a basic design this is the extent of the walking frame's construction, however more expensive frames and variations in design can have more (or different) features that affect the way in which the frame is used.

Some walkers will fold, collapse or disassemble for easy transport and storage.

With or without wheels

The biggest single difference in walking frame design and operation is in the inclusion or absence of wheels (castors). Frames that omit wheels need to be lifted and then lowered as each small step is taken. Theses walkers are cheap and very stable, but they require some upper body strength and they significantly restrict the speed at which a person can walk.

Frames with wheels can be pushed as each step is taken which alleviates any lifting requirement. Wheeled walking frames (sometimes called a stroller or rollator) may have wheels on just the two front legs (see two wheeled walkers ***) or wheels on all four legs (see four wheeled walkers ***). Brakes or the action of lowering the rear wheel-less legs act to prevent this type of walker from moving.

Another variation of the walking frame is the three wheeled walker that has three legs (two at the back and one at the front), each with wheels (see three wheeled walkers ***). Handlebar grips and brakes give the user full control over direction, stopping and starting.

Other variations and extras can include –

Baskets, pouches and carry compartments that allow a small amount of shopping to be carried within the walker.

A holder for a walking stick or sticks.

A second set of lower level handles that can assist in standing up from another chair.

A walker that incorporates a seat (and also often a basket). This type of walking frame will normally have four legs, all on castors (i.e. a rollator), with dual brake controls on handlebar style grips or adjacent to the hold rails. Some seats may also have a simple lightweight fabric backrest.

Who can use a walker

Anyone who requires assistance to walk, but who still has the movement and control of their legs, should be able to benefit from using a walker.

This means that walking frames can be used by the elderly and patients who are in the process of rehabilitation following injury or surgery.

Walkers can be used by back sufferers and individuals who suffer from chronic or debilitating illnesses, but who wish to retain their mobility for as long as possible. Walkers also have the advantage of exercising the muscles and keeping joints functioning, so they are a very proactive mobility aid.

All walkers and rollators promote exercise and independence and most are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use (although this should be confirmed for any model that you consider purchasing).

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