Walkers can be a valuable tool for children with walking disabilities, helping them stand and walk. For children with mild to moderate mobility limitations, handheld walkers are commonly used to promote independent walking. However, for children with moderate to severe functional disabilities, holding onto a walker to stand and walk can be challenging and limit their ability to stay active. In such cases, a walker providing more support at pelvic, trunk and/or head levels is often prescribed. The choice of a walking aid is discussed with a health professional and depends on the child’s specific needs, including physical impairments, functional abilities, physiologic factors, cognitive abilities, and overall motivation.
What are the benefits of using a support walker?
There are several benefits associated with using walkers that provide more support for children with moderate to severe walking disabilities. These devices provide essential support and help improve mobility. Using a support walker:
1) Encourages engagement in activities while standing: It opens up new opportunities for children to interact with family and friends, explore their surroundings, and participate more fully in daily life activities and play.
2) Promotes more active time and reduces passive sedentary behavior: Enabling children to stand and engage in physical activities can positively influence some health outcomes such as bowel function, respiratory function and bone mineral density.
3) Supports independent stepping or walking: Some children may even be able to step or walk on their own with a support walker, which is beneficial for self-esteem but also for developing walking skills, such as the ability to take steps, to walk faster or to cover a longer distance.
Levity: a walker providing partial body weight support
The Levity walker has a posterior frame combined with an innovative partial body weight support system. Its hands-free design allows the children to move more freely, interact with their surroundings, and engage with their peers – even sharing a hug with loved ones! The dimensions of the Levity, along with its support system, provide a unique opportunity for children to stand and to be active every day, when possible. Incorporating the Levity into their daily routine could have positive impacts, promoting the physical and emotional benefits of being upright and engaged with the world around them.
Please refer to your doctor, physical therapist or occupational therapist for more information specific to your child’s need, and do not hesitate to contact Ora Medical for more information regarding the Levity walker.
REFERENCES
Feldner, H. A., Gaebler-Spira, D., Awasthi, V., & Bjornson, K. (2022). Supportive mobility device use across the life span by individuals with cerebral palsy : A qualitative study. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 64(11), 1392‑1401. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15243
George, C., Levin, W., & Ryan, J. M. (2020). The use and perception of support walkers for children with disabilities : A United Kingdom survey. BMC Pediatrics, 20(1), 528. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-020-02401-5.
Low, S. A., McCoy, S. W., Beling, J., & Adams, J. (2011). Pediatric Physical Therapists’ Use of Support Walkers for Children With Disabilities : A Nationwide Survey. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 23(4), 381. https://doi.org/10.1097/PEP.0b013e318235257c
Paleg, G., & Livingstone, R. (2015). Outcomes of gait trainer use in home and school settings for children with motor impairments : A systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation, 29(11), 1077‑1091. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215514565947
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