Walker or Rollator – Which one is Right for Me?

Standard Walker

Until the invention of walkers (also known as walking frames) in the 1950s, individuals with disabilities or short-term walking difficulties were confined to wheelchairs until they were able to support themselves with a cane. That arrangement was detrimental to those with the ability to walk supported; those with chronic disabilities were unable to achieve a higher level of independence while others with temporary conditions experienced drawn-out recovery times without a reliable transition aid from wheelchair to walking. Today we are fortunate to have a wide variety of walking assistance tools to address every need, from persistent mobility impairments such as cerebral palsy or paralysis to rehabilitation following injury or surgery. The seemingly endless selection of walkers and rollators does pose one challenge, though: it can be exceedingly difficult to locate the right one!

  

At first glance, walkers and rollators are very similar. In fact, many classify rollators as wheeled walkers. While they do indeed bear remarkable similarities, there are important differences between a walker and rollator that will influence your decision in choosing one over the other.Read on for a comprehensive comparison of different types of walking aids to help you find one that suits your lifestyle and individual situation.

Walkers

A standard walker is a lightweight, four-legged frame that stands approximately at waist height and surrounds the user on three sides. Handgrips on the side rails provide a comfortable, non-slip surface for long periods of holding time. Walkers fold easily and compactly for storage and portability. The standard walker does not have wheels; rather, each leg ends in a rubber tip – which should be checked regularly for wear and changed as necessary – for greater traction. Standard walkers are considered the most stable and supportive of all walker types and are recommended for users with adequate back and arm strength to lift the walker and move it forward with each step. Walker purchasers may choose from features such as attachable bags, bi-level handles for standing assistance, push-button folding mechanisms, and one-handed configurations for those with limited mobility in one hand and/or greater stability.

Wheeled Walker

Wheeled walkers are the middle ground between standard walkers and rollators. A wheeled walker features two wheels on the front legs of the frame and standard rubber-tipped legs in the back. This design allows users to walk faster without lifting the frame as they walk and should be used by individuals with greater self-supporting abilities and steadiness as they gain independence and confidence in walking. Some wheeled walkers, like rollators, include a seat and/or hand brakes in addition to characteristics such as wide bases, easy-fold operation, and maneuverability in tight spaces without the awkwardness and ungainliness of standard walkers. Unlike rollators, however, wheeled walkers have the advantages of compact folding and lightweight frames found in standard walkers.

Knee Walker

Several types of specialty walkers are included in the standard and wheeled walker category. Heavy-duty walkers for bariatric users exist in both standard and wheeled configurations and are designed to comfortably support users weighing over 350 pounds; some models have a weight capacity of up to 700 pounds. Pediatric walkers are available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and styles for children of all ages and abilities. Other specialized walkers include knee walkers, a four-wheeled contraption where the user places his or her weak or immobile leg on a padded knee rest and steers with the stronger leg, lift walkers with retractable grab bars for standing, and stand-assist walkers with bi-level handles for safe rising from a lower seated position.

Gait Trainers and Safety Rollers

Posterior Gait Trainer

A person who is learning or re-learning to walk often uses a gait trainer for muscular rehabilitation. Gait trainers consist of a wheeled frame with integrated pelvic support to stabilize the user’s trunk and prevent legs from “scissoring” when walking. As its name suggests, a gait trainer’s purpose is to correct a person’s gait, or walking style, while supporting him or her and controlling walking speed. Gait trainers are available in adult and pediatric sizes and in two main configurations: anterior and posterior. An anterior walker or gait trainer features side and front rails, while a posterior trainer frame wraps around the sides and rear of the user. Posterior walkers and gait trainers generally result in lower body angles than in their anterior counterparts, allowing for straighter posture and improved oxygen consumption and positioning, though gait cadence and velocity is typically equivalent with either type.

Safety rollers are somewhat of a cross between rollators and walkers. Designed for individuals with good balance and minor afflictions such as arthritis or slight balance issues, safety rollers are lightweight and compact with four wheels to provide security and stability to those who lean forward when walking or exert excessive pressure. A safety roller can be used to encourage proper gait and posture and are available in both anterior and posterior configurations with features such as automatic braking in the event of a stumble, basket attachments, and extra-wide bariatric frames capable of supporting up to 1,000 pounds.

Rollators

Four-Wheel Rollator

A rollator is a three- or four-wheeled aid equipped with brakes for those who need minor assistance and/or walk long distances.  A person with limited arm strength who has difficulty lifting and operating a standard walker will enjoy the smooth rolling motion of a rollator. Someone who is more stable and self-supportive with the ability to walk distances will benefit from the improved speed, greater maneuverability and decreased clumsiness of a rollator compared to a walker. Rollators characteristically include an integrated storage basket for shopping trips and carrying personal items as well as a flip-down or fixed seat for the user to sit on and/or be pushed when fatigued. A rollator is somewhat of a walker/wheelchair hybrid due to its seat and these dual capabilities. Rollators are available in three-wheel (for better maneuverability) and four-wheel (for increased stability) configurations as well as bariatric models for heavier users.

How do I choose a walker or rollator?

Three-Wheel Rollator

When choosing a mobility aid, one must assess his or her lifestyle and abilities. A new surgical patient will likely require a standard walker until he or she gains the stability needed for a wheeled walker or rollator; however, if he or she does not possess sufficient arm and back strength to operate it, a wheeled walker may be the right choice. An individual with mild cerebral palsy who is mostly self-supporting but requires additional aid as well as increased speed for longer distances will benefit from a wheeled walker or rollator. Tall users should opt for larger wheels and adjustable height, while larger users will be more comfortable with a wider bariatric walker. One who travels frequently or has restricted storage space will benefit from the compact, folding design of a walker rather than the larger rollator frame; those who tire while walking will prefer a rollator with a seat for the option of resting or being pushed when fatigued. Seat types should also be considered when choosing a rollator – a user who sits more frequently should choose a rollator with a padded seat for added comfort.

When a person has mobility restrictions, the selection of a mobility aid is a crucial decision and will impact his or her life. The correct aid can mean the difference between comfort and discomfort, between dependence and self-sufficiency, and between a long, drawn-out recovery and a straightforward, rapid rehabilitation. Visit TigerMedical.com to see our complete line of walkers and rollators and start living your life the way it’s meant to be lived!