The effects of the standard rolling walker and two posterior rolling walkers on gait variables of normal children.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the standard rolling walker (SRW) and two versions of the posteriorly placed posterior rolling walker on gait variables of a sample of normal children. The two versions of the posterior rolling walker included the two-wheeled model (PRW2) and the four-wheeled model (PRW4). Nineteen children aged six to eight years old from two suburban first and second grade classrooms comprised the sample. The footprint method of analysis was used to record and measure the variables of velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, base of support, and toe angle. Each child was initially recorded while walking unassisted, and then with the SRW, PRW2 and PRW4 presented in randomized order for a total of four trials per child. The mean values for each gait variable were obtained for each trial for each child. A Multiple Analysis of Variance with one repeated measure and Duncan Multiple Comparison Tests were used to analyze these data. Results indicated that use of a walker, regardless of model, changed normal (unassisted) gait in all variables measured except toe angle. Gait using the PRW4 most closely approximated unassisted gait. Results may have implications for clinicians both in setting the optimal level of function that might be expected from children using walkers, and in choosing among walker models for their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]