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Many senior citizens and disabled patients use mobility aid devices. However, walker and cane instability accounts for 47,000 falls among senior citizens annually. Bone fractures occur in one in three individuals. To address this issue a new rollator (JabbaWalker) has been designed to improve stability and safety. Improvements to the basic rollator include adjustments for height and an innovative dual brake system. Testing of the design's stability includes testing of brake wear, forward/backward and side tipping and wheel skidding (friction). The resultant forces on the walker were calculated and measured as a function of patient loading patterns and proximity (force of weight acting at a 30° angle). The JabbaWalker will support a person with a maximum bodyweight of 300 lbs. This type of ambulatory assist device may provide not only stability, but augmentation of muscle activation and a reduction in weight bearing load.
Bolante et al. (Thu,) studied this question.