Development and evaluation of low-cost walker with trunk support for senior citizen

• Published in: Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P Vol. 51; p. e03252
• Main Authors: Poier, Paloma Hohmann, Godke, Francisco, Foggiatto, José Aguiomar, Ulbricht, Leandra
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem 09-10-2017; SciELO
• Subjects: Aged, 80 and over; Andadores; Costs and Cost Analysis; Equilíbrio Postural; Equipment Design; Female; Humans; Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais; Male; NURSING; Tecnologia de Baixo Custo; Thorax; Walkers - economics; Tecnología de Bajo Costo; Anciano de 80 o más Años; Walkers; Andadores; Balance Postural; Aged, 80 and over; Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais; Tecnologia de Baixo Custo; Low Cost Technology; Equilíbrio Postural; Postural Balance
• ISSN: 0080-6234; 1980-220X; 1980-220X
• DOI: 10.1590/S1980-220X2016020103252

Develop and evaluate a low-cost walker with trunk support for senior citizens.
Two-stage descriptive study: development of a walker with trunk support and evaluation with fourth age senior citizens.
Twenty-three fourth age senior citizens were selected. The evaluated criteria were the immediate influence of the walker on the static stabilometry with baropodometer and the evaluation of gait with accelerometers monitoring time and amplitude of the hip movement. There was a significant decrease in the body oscillation of senior citizens with the use of the developed walker, and there were changes in the joint amplitudes of the hip, but they were not significant.
Using low-cost materials, it was possible to develop and equipment that met resistance and effectiveness requirements. The walker interfered in the balance of the senior citizens, reducing significantly the static body oscillation.