Article Written By: Amanda Nathan
Whether you call them Zimmerframes, as they are known in the UK, or mobility walkers, these devices help stabilize and balance disabled or elderly people so they can walk easier. The most basic type of mobility walker is a simple frame that is slightly wider than the average body, about the height of the waist and approximately one foot in depth. Users grip the sides for balance, pick the frame up and place it slightly ahead. They then take the step or two needed to reach the original starting position. By continuing this movement, the walker allows them to move forward slowly without losing their balance. Changes have been made in this basic design over time to make the mobility walker easier and more comfortable to use. Instead of a set height, it is now adjustable. This allows the users to keep their arms bent so that circulation is not impeded. Mobility walkers are now made in different sizes as well, small enough for children and large enough for people who are overweight.Wheels are the most important improvement that has been made, improving ease of use of the walker, as well as helping the user to move more quickly. Walkers with wheels come in different styles. They can be just like the original design but with wheels in the front. They can have wheels in the front with glides or caster wheels in the back. Or they can have wheels in the front and back, either a total of three or four.More advanced than the basic walker with wheels is the rollator. In Europe, the rollator comes with a shopping basket and handbrakes. The shopping basket top becomes a seat as well. And the brakes are used to help turn the walker in addition to stopping it.Three wheeled mobility walkers are easier to turn and can fit into smaller spaces. For someone who does not have as much concern with stability, this may be the right option. It is more compact as well, so easier to transport and to store.Four wheeled mobility walkers are a bit more difficult to steer and take up slightly more space but offer more stability and balance than the three wheeled variety. These also come with more comfort features such as a seat.Whichever mobility walker you decide on in the UK could not be easier to find. There are a number of stores online to choose from with every make and model available. And many of these will ship their product directly to you at no extra charge.
This Article Has Been Published on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 and Read 164 Times