Mobility is the most common disability among older Americans, this according to the U.S. Census Bureau report. The Census Bureau reported that close to 40% of Americans age 65 and above had at least one disability. The report covered the period 2008 to 2012. Of the 15.7 million affected Americans, the Census Bureau reported that […]
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In many urban streets, shopping malls and public parks, mobility scooters are becoming a common sight. Mobility scooter is a single occupant power-powered transport vehicle and is used as a mobility aid. This assistive device is controlled through a mechanical tiller system. Some have 3 wheels; others have 4 wheels.
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Mobility is one of the most important human faculties. It influences not only a person’s walking ability, but also the ability to accomplish personal tasks. It also affects one’s physiological health, as well as one’s interaction with others and his or her environment.
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Millions of Americans are using canes. However, canes are among the most underutilized mobility assistive devices for older people. The commonly used canes are the adjustable single-tip, un-adjustable (wooden) tip and quad type (with four tips).
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Mobility is inseparably linked to the quality of life. Mobility becomes even more essential for the elderly. Aging increases mobility impairments. In addition to aging, environmental factors and individual vulnerabilities (genes, for instance) increase the risk of mobility decline.
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Mobility – the ability to move whenever and wherever we want – is fundamental to everyday life. As we grow older, the risk of mobility decline also increases. Factors that contribute to this decline include genetics, aging processes, physiological impairments and environmental causes.
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To live a full and independent life, one needs to have access to services, goods, activities and other people. This access often involves mobility. Mobility is defined as the ability to move where and when a person wants. For the baby boomers’ generation, mobility means personal automobile. But as this group ages, there is a […]
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Do you need one or both upper extremities for balance or weight bearing? What frequency of weight bearing is needed? If your answer to the first question is “both” and your answer to the second is “constant,” then most likely, a standard walker is ideal for you, this according to Sara Bradley and Cameron Hernandez […]
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Being the smallest and the cheapest assistive device in the market today, it is no wonder that canes are popular. This assistive device can easily be bought in a local drugstore and online as well. Cane is beneficial in the following ways: It helps redistribute weight from a lower extremity that is painful or weak. […]
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As we enjoy our twilight years, there are things that we just cannot anymore do. In our younger years, we walked as fast and we drive as fast. In our twilight years, many of us seniors cannot walk as fast. We cannot drive as fast. But many of us are not invalid. We can still […]
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Walking is an important aspect in becoming physically active. While walking is the most accessible form of exercise, many older adults are not able to do this basic form of exercise because of physical difficulties. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the obstacles that hinders many seniors from walking.
Continue reading » The cane was once a symbol of power and aristocracy. In the olden days, aristocratic men and women carried with them canes at the race track and at the watering place. In the past, no well-established doctor would be seen in public without a cane – this being the symbol of the medical profession. Today, […]
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Rollators are routinely prescribed during geriatric rehabilitation to compensate for mobility deficits and balance. They are also used for fall protection and for increased activity.
Continue reading » The United States is an ageing country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since January 1, 2011, and every day for the next 20 years, nearly 10,000 Americans will celebrate their 65th birthdays. The unprecedented number of the senior population in the US means that there will likely be a growing […]
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Knee walkers and crutches are two options to consider for maintaining mobility especially when non-weightbearing is required.
Continue reading » One of the leading causes of disability and pain among older adults (65 years old and above) is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is the most common form of arthritis. There are three types: hand, hip and knee osteoarthritis. The biomechanical marker of knee osteoarthritis is the progression in the […]
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In many parts of the world, especially in countries like the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, the use and sale of mobility scooters is on the rise. Mobility is broadly defined as the ability to move oneself, for instance, walking or by using assistive technologies. Mobility scooter is one of the most acceptable […]
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It is a well-established fact in the scientific community that exercise activity such as walking protects against loss of physical function in adults. As early as 1953, Dr. Jeremy Morris and colleagues had shown that “men in physically active jobs have a lower incidence of coronary heart disease in middle-age than men in physically inactive […]
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The reduction of mobility is one of the problems that affects a large number of the elderly population. Mobility encompasses not just the person’s ability walk, but also the person’s ability to complete personal tasks. Mobility is defined as the ability to move around safely and effectively in the environment. Mobility is necessary for the […]
Continue reading » Despite the development of modern mobility assistive technologies, canes remain the go-to device when balance and weight bearing are required. Its popularity emanates from its basic design. It is just a simple stick for walking. It is easy to use. This can be used in any part of the house (kitchen, bathroom, etc.). This device […]
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So, you have recently undergone a foot and ankle surgery. Your orthopaedic doctor tells you that you have to remain non-weightbearing for a period of weeks after the surgery.
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Walking is highly regarded in our society. This is evident in popular sayings such as: “Every journey begins with one footstep”; “Standing on your own two feet”; “One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind”; and “Pull yourself up by your boot strap.” But what is interesting is that many of us cannot […]
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Lower leg injuries happen. It can be in the form of ruptured achilles tendon, broken foot, lower leg amputation, broken or sprained ankle, diabetics’ trophic plantar ulcer, rheumatic feet, gout or bunions. For the rehabilitation of lower leg injuries a knee walker is often prescribed by health care professionals. This assistive device is also known […]
Continue reading » A trip to your local drugstore will give you an idea how prevalent canes are. These mobility assistive devices are popular because of their social acceptance, maneuverability and easy to use. A study by Susan Allen showed that canes are low cost, versatile assistive devices that can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for supportive services.
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Life expectancy in the 21st century is quite different from the life expectancy in the 20th century. In the 21st century, people who would have died due to diseases are now surviving mainly because of better healthcare, healthy food and healthy lifestyle. The increase of life expectancy is evident in the United States. The U.S. […]
Continue reading » When we were young, we strived to live independently. This desire to live independently still tops the wish-list of many older adults (65 years old and above). But this desire to live independently is often challenged by nature. For various reasons, many adults find themselves walking less far and taking more frequent rest breaks during […]
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When one’s lower limb is injured as a result of a disease or accident, it is often recommended that no weight should be placed upon the injured limb. Bending the knee and placing it on a stable device is an effective way to keep off the weight from the injured leg. This bent knee device […]
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Mobility is essential to mankind. Mobility is the ability to move within an environment. It is also a means for mankind to manipulate things. In general, mobility enables individuals to pursue their chosen life activities. Many individuals though cannot pursue their chosen life direction due to some form of mobility disabilities.
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What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs at night? The answer to this Sphinx riddle is: Man – who crawls on fours as a baby, walks on two feet as an adult, and walks with a cane during old age. One out of every five US […]
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects that the number of Americans aged 65 or older will reach nearly 89 million by 2050. As we age, our chances of developing cognitive and mobility impairments increase. A study by Montero-Odasso et al. showed that mobility and cognitive impairments are related to increasing life expectancy.
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Both crutches and the rolling knee walker have identical uses. They both provide stability and balance. Their wide base support during walking also reduces the risk of falls. These mobility aids likewise absorb the body weight. A person’s body weight canoverburden the affected lower limb when walking. The resemblance between crutches and the rolling knee […]
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Individuals who are recuperating from below-the-knee injury are prescribed with knee walkers. Injuries below the knee can be due to diabetic wound, torn Achilles’ tendon, ulcer, strain, sprain, fracture or amputation of the lower leg or foot. Health care professionals prescribe the weil knee walker because of the following reasons: 1. Risk of Falling is […]
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The winnie walker rollator is the ideal travel rollator for those who are always on the go. This assistive technology is regarded as a great travel companion for the following reasons: 1. Light When we are on the move, regardless of whether it is a short or long trip, one of the main concerns of […]
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The two most popular mobility scooters in the market today are the 3 wheel mobility scooter and the 4 wheel version. Folks choose the 3 wheel mobility scooter over the 4 wheel type because of the following reasons: 1.Ease of Operation The tires of the 3 wheel mobility scooter are important features. These tires enable […]
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Handicap scooters are used by those who have impaired mobility – a condition that may be caused by injury or illness. Many differently-abled or handicapped individuals use the handicap scooters to go outdoors. Significantly, handicap scooters are used to reduce lower limb weakness, fatigue and to conserve energy. Other than providing physical support to the […]
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Drive Medical – one of the leading distributors of durable medical equipment – offers a number of rollators. The medical equipment company has three types of rollators: the 3-wheel type, the 4-wheel type and the bariatric type. 3-Wheel Drive Medical Rollators The 3-wheel drive medical rollators have narrow width and these devices can be easily […]
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Mobility disabilities brought about by advanced age and sickness may be compensated by today’s smartphones and social media. With the smartphone, you can simply text or call someone by phone to come over to assist you. If your loved ones do not live close to your home, you can simply chat with them via social […]
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Electric mobility scooters are categorized based on their purpose, speed, battery capability and maneuverability. Out of the many categorizations of electric mobility scooters, these two types of electric mobility scooters emerge as the most prominent: 3-wheeled type and the 4-wheeled type. Here are the differences between the two: Maneuverability Compared to the 4-wheel model, the […]
Continue reading » Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling illness that attacks the central nervous system – covering the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, eighty percent of people with MS encounter have difficulties with walking within 10 to 15 years of the onset of the disease. Symptoms of the MS […]
Continue reading » Following an illness, surgery or injury, a patient may be prevented from putting his or her full weight in the affected leg. Certain medical ailments may also make one or both legs weak and may disturb balance. The main aim of physical therapy for people with balance difficulty, weight bearing restrictions and lower limb weakness […]
Continue reading » Many of us know only one type of walker: the standard 4-legged metal walker. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many types of walkers. The walkers that are developed by Drive Medical – a leading distributor of durable medical equipment – can be categorized into three: standard type, 2-wheeled type […]
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Pediatric walkers and gait trainers are often used interchangeably. These two are not the same. Pediatric walkers are appropriate when a young person can already bear weight and take steps. In contrast, the gait trainers are utilized when a young person still has to acquire the skill of walking, the walking ability has to be […]
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Gift-giving is an age-old tradition. This unselfish act though is a tricky gesture as the receiver may not like your gift. Regardless of the gift recipient’s reaction, it is the thought that counts. Still though, when it comes to this unselfish act, one need to consider the practicality of the gift. Does it answer the […]
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Stroke patients are vulnerable to living a sedentary lifestyle. A study by Michael et al. showed that stroke patientswalk less often and their cardiovascular fitness is extremely low. The researchers also found out that the mobility decline, most significantly the balance, is associated with walking less. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention […]
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There are two types of phoenix scooters by Drive Medical that are available in the market today: the 4 wheel phoenix scooters and the 3 wheel phoenix scooters. Both of these two models of phoenix scooters provide independent mobility indoor and outdoor to users. Cruising around town is now convenient and comfortable with these two […]
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Studies have shown that rollator walker is a relevant societal intervention. This assistive technology is valuable to people who are restricted from bearing weight, particularly after a surgery in the hip, ankle or knee. The rollator walker is also beneficial to people who find it difficult to balance themselves as well as to those who […]
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The knee walker, also known as orthopedic or knee scooter,is the perfect mobility aid to support those with weak or injured lower limb. This assistive technology has a basic frame, handlebar, cushion, two front wheels and two rear wheels.The knee walker can easily be steered through the use of the handlebar. The cushion is where […]
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of ailments that causes airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. Multiple Sclerosis (MS), meanwhile, is a disabling and chronic ailment that attacks the central nervous system. Constant fatigue is the symptom common to both COPD and MS patients. This constant fatigue results to walking and moving difficulty. In […]
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Drive Medical – the leading global distributor of durable medical equipment – offers three different styles of medical rollators: the 3-wheel, the 4-wheel and the bariatric style. Rollators are walking frames with wheels. The three styles of medical rollators come with big wheels. Because of these large wheels, medical rollators roll easily on smooth and […]
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One of the undesirable effects of ageing is the gradual decline in our ability to walk. Walking, however, is essential for our healthy existence. For older adults, especially 75 years old or older, walking is the most appropriate form of exercise. The good thing is that walking is also the favored form of exercise among […]
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Society is ever-evolving. The once popular wheelchair has now lost its public appeal. Nowadays, an individual who would normally be placed in a wheelchair could now be placed in a merry walker ambulation device. There are three forms of merry walker ambulation devices: the institutional, the home care and the bariatric model. Merry Walker Institutional […]
Continue reading » Mobility scooters are gradually becoming a part of the street scape in the United States. People of varied ages and disabilities use the mobility scooters. This wheeled mobility aid is particularly popular to those who had to surrender their license to drive a car. For those who have limited mobility, the elderly and the disabled, […]
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Recent studies have shown that patients prefer the rollators – the four-wheeled walkers – over the other conventional walkers. Rollators are more popular than standard rollators (those without wheels) as these mobility aids do not have to be picked up. Rollators like the nitro style rollators have modern wheel systems that easily pivot and roll. […]
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Compared to other assistive technologies, the 4 wheel mobility scooter costs more.However, the benefits that the 4 wheel mobility scooter gives to the user far outweigh its cost. Studies have shown that mobility devices, in general, improve the users’ activity. Salminen et al. in the study called “Mobility devices to promote activity and participation: A […]
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