Types of Walkers and Their Pros and Cons.

12 Nov Types of Walkers and Their Pros and Cons.

Mobility is essential for maintaining independence, especially after surgery, injury, or as we age. Walkers are one type of assistive device that can help promote safe mobility and independence. Choosing the correct type of walker can be confusing, with so many options available. Each type of walker serves a different purpose, and selecting the right one can make a significant difference in mobility, safety, and quality of life.

Why use a walker?

Walkers allow for two-handed support. This is typically used when an individual requires extra stability, balance, or weight distribution support (think non-weight bearing). That means that you might have better support to decrease risk for falls or keep the weight off of one leg, but you might have difficulty carrying a glass of water, food, or clothing. or performing daily living tasks. Walkers are used for: individuals with significant balance impairments; when someone needs to offload weight from one or both lower extremities due to weakness, injury, or surgery; with progressive conditions; when coordination is an issue; with joint pain or instability seen in conditions like severe arthritis to reduce stress on the joint.

Types of Walkers and Pros and Cons.

Standard Walker: The standard walker is one of the most stable walkers available. It does not have wheels, but rather four legs with rubber tips. This type requires the user to lift and move it with each step. Some people will put tennis balls on the legs to allow for smoother movement but be careful because this could decrease the amount of stability.

Pros: Increased support in terms of stability and support, balance, and requiring slow and controlled movements. Helps encourage deliberate steps. Good for transfers or standing balance.

Cons: Takes more energy to lift walker with each step, especially if you have weak arms. Slow pace does not allow for reciprocal stepping, instead requires a step-to pattern. Lifting and moving the walker each step could increase fall risk depending on how stable your balance is with standing unsupported.

This type of walker is not used much in the clinic. I would recommend it only for someone with difficulty controlling the forward movement of the rolling walker, or someone requiring increased support on uneven surfaces. Possibly with incoordination, but fair standing balance.

Rolling Walker: The rolling walker is a standard walker with two fixed (common) or swivel (optional) wheels on the front. They come with different sized wheels depending on your needs or double wheels if you need the extra support. It has rubber stoppers on the back wheels, though many people will trade these out for plastic glide caps or tennis balls to allow the walker to slide as it rolls. This is the type of walker generally used in the clinic and prescribed for people who need walkers at home.

Pros: Good stability with easier maneuvering and less effort since it does not need to be lifted. Does not roll as easily as a four-wheeled walker, so allows for more controlled movement. Good for those who need support but find lifting a standard walker too challenging.

Cons: Does still require some lifting especially over thresholds or with uneven surfaces. Requires effort for turning / positioning walker in home.

Platform Walker: As above, but instead of gripping the top bar to hold and move the walker, it has platform attachments that support the forearm. Used with aluminum folding standard or rolling walker.

Pros: Good for people with hand or wrist injuries, or those who cannot grip the walker handle due to arthritis or other condition. Allows for upright posture.

Cons: Difficult to turn and to reach arm up to platform with sit-to-stand.

Four-Wheel Walker (Rollator): This walker has four wheels, generally two swivel wheels on the front and two fixed wheels on the back. This type of walker typically has brakes attached to the back wheels, and a seat with a basket. It is one of the most versatile walkers available and allows for smoother, quicker movements.

Pros: Users can move more quickly, making it a good choice for longer distances. There is a seat for those who need frequent rests or want to sit while brushing teeth or making food. The storage basket is helpful for carrying items, also things can be set on the seat. No lifting required (except with negotiating curbs / steps) and moves easily which is good for those with limited arm strength. Best for active individuals with fair balance who want mobility for community outings or need (and can handle) easier turns.

Cons: It is not as stable and requires good control (due to the swivel wheels) which can increase fall risk if not used properly. It is not suitable for those who need weight bearing support. It requires hand grip strength and dexterity to manage brakes. Heavier than the aluminum folding standard or rolling walker, requires lifting for curb negotiation.

Upright Walker: Four-wheeled walker with a platform attachment. I really like these for improved posture.

Pros: same as platform rolling walker.

Cons: same as platform rolling walker.

Three-wheeled Walker: A three-wheeled walker is a hybrid between a two-wheeled walker and a four-wheeled walker. It is often narrower and more maneuverable than a four-wheel walker, it has brakes for safety, but no seat.

Pros: Maneuverable and compact, making it easier to use in narrow spaces and to turn around. Easy to transport.

Cons: Less stable that a four-wheel walker, especially on uneven surfaces. Does not have a seat. Requires better balance to use than the standard and two-wheel walkers.

Hemi-walker: The only one-handed use walker. This type is not used much in the clinic due to its wide base of support and difficulty to maneuver. These are mostly used initially for stroke survivors or those who only have one functioning arm and are generally progressed to using canes.

Knee – Walker (knee scooter): This type of walker is for those who have an injury to the foot or ankle but can still weight bear through the knee and tibia. It has a padded block to rest your knee, four small wheels, and a handlebar similar to a scooter.

Pros: Quick and easy to use, keeps uninjured leg working, does not require a lot of upper extremity strength or pressure, can be used outdoors.

Cons: Requires good balance and endurance to use, difficulty to perform sit-to-stand. Cannot go up and down stairs.

All of the walkers listed can be folded for transport. There are attachments available for the standard and rolling walkers to assist with carrying items, such as trays and bags.

Hope this helps give you an idea of what types of two-handed mobility aids are available. Each type of walker serves a unique purpose and is most effective for specific mobility goals. A walker should enhance, not hinder, mobility. Selecting the right type of walker is essential for comfort, safety, and independence. Before choosing a mobility aid, I recommend consulting with your doctor or physical therapist. They can help assess your strength, balance, endurance, and environmental needs to help you pick the correct device for you. They can also help with training for correct use of new devices. If you have questions regarding how to choose the correct type of walker or how to correctly use a walker, contact us at My Rehab Answers.com. We will be happy to walk you through picking and using a safe device that will work for you.