The effect of first-time 4-wheeled walker use on the gait of younger and older adults.
Humberto Adolfo Omaña MorenoEdward MadouAlison DivineWalter WittichKeith D HillAndrew M JohnsonJeffrey D HolmesSusan W HunterPublished in: PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation (2021)
Using a 4-wheeled walker resulted in a slower and more inconsistent gait pattern across both age groups. Walking more complex configurations resulted in the prioritization of gait over the cognitive task while performing the dual-task conditions. No evidence of an age-related difference in the effect of initial walker use on gait was observed. Nonetheless, walkers are cognitively demanding and their introduction should warrant a clinical follow-up.