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rollator (4 wheel walker)
Device similar to walker, but has 4 wheels & brakes. Some but not all have seats for patients to rest.
Indications:
- higher functioning patients who walk long distances & require minimal weight-bearing
- cardiopulmonary disease
- peripheral neuropathy with balance difficulty [3]
- promotes forward position, prevents backward falls [3]
Contraindications:
- cognitive impairment*
* if a rollator is not appropriate because of cognitive impairment, a straight cane would be the next best choice
Advantages:
1) broad base of support
2) speedier than other walkers
3) good for outside walking because of large wheels
4) has seat for resting
Disadvantages:
1) higher fall risk for patients who need walker to bear weight
2) requires coordination because of brakes
3) not suitable for cognitively-impaired patients
General
walker
References
- Genova A. In: Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine &
Board Review, Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 12-15, 2001
- Van Hook FW, Demonbreun D, Weiss BD.
Ambulatory devices for chronic gait disorders in the elderly.
Am Fam Physician. 2003 Apr 15;67(8):1717-24. Review.
PMID: 12725450
- Geriatric Review Syllabus, 8th edition (GRS8)
Durso SC and Sullivan GN (eds)
American Geriatrics Society, 2013
- Geriatric Review Syllabus, 11th edition (GRS11)
Harper GM, Lyons WL, Potter JF (eds)
American Geriatrics Society, 2022