A four-wheeled walker, commonly known as a rollator, is a mobility aid designed to provide stability and support while walking. Unlike traditional walkers, the wheels allow for continuous movement without lifting the device, which conserves energy and improves walking speed. Understanding the correct procedure for its use is essential for maximizing the benefits and ensuring personal safety.
Adjusting the Walker for Safe Use
The correct adjustment of your rollator is the foundation of safe and comfortable use. For proper posture and balance, the handle height must align with the crease of your wrist when your arms hang naturally at your sides. This ensures your elbows are slightly bent (15 to 30 degrees) when you grip the handles. Setting the handles too high can cause shoulder and neck strain, while setting them too low forces you to hunch over, increasing the risk of losing balance.
The brake tension must also be checked and adjusted before use. The brakes should engage smoothly when squeezed and hold securely when locked, preventing the rollator from rolling away. Most rollators feature an adjustment mechanism, often a nut near the handle or the wheel, that can be tightened to increase sensitivity. Ensuring the wheels rotate freely and the frame is secure is a simple maintenance check that contributes to safety.
Safe Walking and Locomotion Technique
The proper walking technique involves maintaining a centered and upright posture. Start by pushing the rollator a short distance ahead, ensuring all four wheels remain in contact with the ground. Position yourself to walk within the frame, keeping your body centered between the rear wheels for stability.
As you walk, focus on taking consistent, measured steps rather than shuffling your feet. If one leg is weaker, step forward with the rollator, then advance with the weaker leg first, following with the stronger leg. Keep your eyes focused forward on your path, not down at your feet, to anticipate obstacles and maintain natural balance.
Use the rollator as a balance aid, not a crutch; do not lean heavily on the handles. Excessive downward pressure can cause the rollator to become unstable or shift your center of gravity too far forward. When turning, use wide, gradual arcs instead of sharp pivots. Taking small, slow steps while steering the rollator through the turn helps maintain control and prevents a loss of balance.
Operating the Brakes and Using the Seat
The hand brakes serve two functions: slowing and locking. Squeezing the brake levers, similar to a bicycle, applies temporary friction for controlled descent down an incline or a gentle stop. Pushing the levers down, or engaging a separate mechanism, locks the brakes into a parking mode, which is their primary safety function.
Always engage the locking brakes before sitting down on the built-in seat or standing up. Failing to lock the wheels can cause the rollator to roll backward as you shift your weight, leading to a fall. To sit, back up until the seat touches the back of your legs, lock the brakes securely, and then use the handles for balance as you slowly lower yourself.
When standing up, keep the brakes locked and lean slightly forward before pushing up using your leg muscles. Your hands should press down on the rollator frame or handles for stability, not to pull your full body weight up. After you are standing upright and stable, release the parking brakes to resume walking.
Handling Common Household Obstacles
Navigating small obstacles requires specific maneuvering techniques. For low door thresholds or small bumps, approach slowly and lift the front wheels slightly by pressing down on the rear frame or tipping lever. Once the front wheels are over the obstacle, roll the device forward until the rear wheels are clear, and then step through.
Thick area rugs can be trip hazards because they can snag the wheels and abruptly stop the rollator. Removing loose rugs is the safest measure, but if removal is not possible, approach with caution and push the rollator firmly and steadily to ensure the wheels do not jam. Four-wheeled walkers are not designed for use on stairs, and attempting to navigate a full flight is dangerous. If stairs are unavoidable, alternative mobility methods, such as transferring to a different device or using handrails, should be used.