A rolling walker, often called a rollator, is a mobility device with wheels on all its legs, distinguishing it from a standard walker that must be lifted with each step. This design offers greater maneuverability but requires specific techniques for safe and effective use. Users must master its braking, walking cadence, and postural requirements to maintain stability and prevent falls.
Proper Height Adjustment and Setup
Setting your rolling walker to the correct height is the first step toward safe and comfortable use. To determine the ideal height, stand upright with your arms relaxed and hanging naturally at your sides. The handgrips should align with the crease of your wrist where your hand meets your forearm.
This alignment ensures that when you grasp the handles, your elbows will have a slight bend, typically between 15 and 20 degrees. An incorrect height forces poor posture, which can lead to back and neck strain. If the handles are too low, you may hunch over the frame, shifting your center of gravity and increasing the risk of imbalance. Conversely, handles set too high can cause shoulder tension and may reduce the support the walker provides.
Mastering the Walking Technique
Maintaining an upright posture is important when walking with a rollator to prevent a shuffling gait pattern. Stand tall, keep your head up, and avoid leaning forward over the frame. Your core should be engaged, and your shoulders should be relaxed.
To move, push the rollator a comfortable distance forward, keeping it slightly ahead of your body. Step into the walker’s frame, ensuring your feet remain between the back wheels. This gait pattern maintains your center of gravity and prevents you from walking too far behind the device. Take smooth, short steps, keeping a consistent heel-to-toe pattern.
When you need to change direction, focus on turning in a wide arc using small steps, rather than attempting to pivot or twist your body. Twisting while leaning on the walker can cause a loss of balance and is a common cause of falls. Always keep your body facing the front of the rollator as you navigate the turn to maintain stability.
Safe Braking and Seating Procedures
Rolling walkers feature a dual-function braking system for both speed control and parking. The hand brakes are typically squeeze levers that function like bicycle brakes, allowing you to gently apply pressure to slow the walker’s movement, especially when going downhill. This squeeze function is used for slowing and maintaining control while walking.
The parking brake function, often activated by pushing the hand brakes down until they lock, must be used whenever you stop or intend to use the seat. Locking the brakes ensures the rollator remains completely stationary, preventing it from rolling away as you transfer weight. Failure to engage the parking brake before sitting down is dangerous.
Using the Seat Safely
To use the seat safely, first ensure the rollator is on a level surface and engage both parking brakes. Turn around slowly until the back of your legs are touching the seat, like you would before sitting in a chair. Use the handles for balance, and slowly lower yourself onto the seat in a controlled manner. When standing up, push off using your legs and the handles for support, and only unlock the brakes once you are fully upright and stable.
Navigating Common Obstacles
Real-world environments present several obstacles that require specific techniques to navigate safely. When approaching small thresholds, such as door jams or rug edges, avoid trying to roll directly over them, which can cause the walker to stop abruptly. Instead, lift the front wheels slightly by gently pressing down on the handgrips, then roll the back wheels over the edge first.
For slopes and ramps, use the hand brakes to maintain control. When moving uphill, push slowly and steadily, taking smaller steps. When traveling downhill, gently squeeze the brakes to prevent the walker from accelerating away from you. Always keep your weight centered and avoid leaning too far forward or backward.
Rolling walkers are not designed for use on stairs; if you encounter a staircase, seek an elevator, a ramp, or alternative assistance. If you must move through a narrow space, such as a tight hallway or between furniture, move the walker first, then step. Ensure you do not bump the frame, which could cause a sudden shift in momentum.