A new, novel walking frame for older adults in community settings – feasibility study with qualitative evaluation and health economic analysis

Project Description

Walking frames have been used for many years to help people walk. They may be for people who are unsteady on their feet or for people after an operation or illness. They were designed many years ago and those frames designed for use indoors haven’t changed since. Outdoor frames have evolved and now offer people different options, but the standard indoor walking frame has not significantly changed since they were first introduced. There have been many difficulties reported using indoor walking frames, but there are no suitable alternatives. These difficulties include it not moving well on carpet, being too heavy to move and often not fitting in small spaces that people have in their homes. The aim of this study is to look at a new indoor walking frame which has been designed to overcome some of the problems that have been reported for the original walking frame design as used at this time. We will get people to try the new frame and then ask for their feedback about using it. We will also measure how well they are walking when they use it. We are interested to see if the frame will improve the amount people walk if the walking frame they use better meets their needs. We are also keen to see whether it might reduce the risk of people falling over. Finally, it is really important that we understand what people think about the frame and if there is anything that could be done to improve it further.