The WalkAbout: A new solution for preventing falls in the elderly and disabled

Abstract

Wolfe RR, Jordan D, Wolfe ML. The WalkAbout: a new solution for preventing falls in the elderly and disabled. Objective To evaluate the performance of a new walking aid, the WalkAbout, for severely disabled and elderly persons. Design Crossover design. Setting Laboratory and nursing home. Participants Sixty-five patients who could not walk independently. Interventions The top rail of the WalkAbout completely encircles the user and is approximately waist high to provide user stability. The footprint of the base is larger in circumference than the top rail, with the legs angled outward to give the device maximum stability. The caster wheels roll easily along the floor as the user walks. Foot brakes on 2 wheels provide stability for entering and exiting the device by walking through the gate. A safety seat prevents falling but does not impede normal gait. Main outcome measures Distance walked, a questionnaire used to assess function of the WalkAbout, and laboratory tests of safety in preventing falls. Results Seventeen subjects could walk only with the WalkAbout. Ninety-seven percent of subjects who could walk with another assistive device walked further with the WalkAbout. Ninety-five percent of subjects said they felt safe while using the device and 92% reported that the WalkAbout safety seat was comfortable. Conclusions The WalkAbout prevents falls and subjects walked further using the WalkAbout than with any other assistive device tested.