What is the Walk Safe®?
5-minute read
Walking frame design has remained stagnant for over 70 years, despite safety concerns. The NRS Walk Safe® was developed by NRS Healthcare with the University of Salford for a revolutionary redesign.
Why was the Walk Safe® developed?
Falls among walking aid users are generally serious, with many ending up in hospital, often with fractures. Some people experience complex hip fractures and are unable to walk again. After falls, many people face independence and mobility issues and have greater care needs. This can result in a rapid decline in health.
The leading cause of hospitalised injuries in older Australians is falls, making up 77% of all injury hospitalisations, and 71% of injury deaths in people aged 65 and over.[3] One in 2 hospitalised falls occurs in the home. There is a significant cost associated with these falls: In the 2018–19 financial year, the health system expenditure on treating fall-related injuries among Australians aged 65 and over was estimated at $2.3 billion.[3]
The University of Salford conducted a study on the stability of people using walking frames. UoS established that guidance around traditional frames, fails to account for complex actions such as turning or crossing thresholds.
By measuring the load put through the base of the Walk Safe®, and the pressure of the user's feet, the UoS concluded that users were lifting the frame. In addition to the monitoring of force, they were able to monitor the relative position of the user with the frame and calculate the stability margin (a relative measure of stability) using a biomechanics algorithm.[4]
The UoS research found that users were unable to adopt safe strategies recommended by the available guidance, especially while turning. When guidance for the safe use of walking frames was unable to be followed, the average stability margin of the participants was much lower than when correct guidance was followed.
The design of existing frames fails to address how to safely turn and cross thresholds. Users were unable to stick to guidance, putting them at a high risk of falls.
The Walk Safe® Secrets
The Walk Safe® features innovative front wheels, and a combined rear brake and glide. This enables users to turn without lifting the frame, ensuring the frame remains in contact with the floor. This offers continuous support, potentially reducing the risk of falls for the user.
Inside the front wheels is a patented magnetic bias mechanism. This keeps the front wheels aligned and prevents the Walk Safe® from veering left or right when the user walks forward. By applying modest steering, the magnetic bias will "unlock" allowing the frame to turn. The magnetic bias re-engages once the user is ready to commence walking straight again.
The front wheels are also 25% larger (diameter) than traditional frames. This makes it easier to cross thresholds like carpet edges, without having to pick up the frame.
Testing the Walk Safe®
The Walk Safe® was developed through a two-year collaboration between NRS Healthcare, and the University of Salford. Prototypes of the Walk Safe® were tested in a gait laboratory, and care homes, using the same methodology as previous UoS research.
NRS and UoS measured a 40% increase in average stability margin with the Walk Safe® when turning when compared to traditional frames[5], and the minimum stability margin (the point of highest risk) more than doubled.[5]
The stability margin of users when crossing carpet thresholds saw a similar increase in average and minimum stability margin when using the Walk Safe®.[5]
Improvements in stability can be directly attributed to the design features of the Walk Safe®, which allow the user to adopt safe strategies for complex walking activities such as turning and crossing thresholds, by eliminating the need to pick up the frame.
Ease of use
The front wheels on the Walk Safe® allow users to adopt a more natural gait pattern. This requires less effort, reduces fatigue, and enables the user to safely turn in tight spaces.
"The ability to not have to statically or incrementally turn around could have major benefits… it makes it easier because you’ve got the larger wheels." - Healthcare Professional
In care homes, users commented on how easy the Walk Safe® was to use, and that they got less tired. Users didn't receive formal training and intuitively learned how to turn. Reducing the user's walking effort gives the user more energy, which helps with overall fitness.
"It (turning) is very easy. Normally you have to pick it up & plonk it down. This is far superior for getting around." - Care Home User
Lower Handles
When observing users with traditional front wheeled frames getting up or sitting down from a chair, NRS noticed it could be difficult if the user had limited or weakened lower body strength. Arm chairs generally provide enough support by using the armrests to push up, or guide users when sitting down. However, if the chair does not have armrests, like a sofa, then the user can only push up from the cushion. This makes it dangerous, and difficult to sit up from such seating positions.
The lower handles are positioned for users to comfortably push up users from a seated position. The user can also use the handles to give additional support when going to sit.
Why the Walk Safe® will change lives
The Walk Safe® addresses the issues with traditional walking frames, appropriately being given its game-changing status for redefining a design that's existed for over 70 years.
University of Salford's research showed that existing walking frames show significantly reduced stability when lifted or crossing thresholds. The unintuitive design that doesn't allow for natural walking patterns, was also a significant issue that needed to be addressed if a redesign of a staple good were to be done.
Because the Walk Safe® does not require lifting when turning or crossing thresholds, it has been proven to double user stability during these activities.[5]
If just a 5% decrease in falls in persons aged over 65 occured across Australia, it could save $115 million on health system expenditure. Backed by years of research, and with the added benefit that the Walk Safe® has adopted an intuitive design that requires little to no instruction, we are in firm agreeance that this revolutionary walking frame can change the lives of our aging population going forward.
The Walk Safe® is available for purchase online or in-store through DoAbility and other independent retailers. You can email wholesale@doability.com.au for all wholesale, or bulk buying enquiries.
If you are an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or a healthcare professional: for a full clinical justification, you can click here to view the Walk Safe® Clinical Brochure.
References
- [1] Rubenstein LZ. Falls in older people: epidemiology, risk factors and strategies for prevention. Age Ageing. 2006;35(Suppl 2):ii37–41.
- [2] NICE. Falls: assessment and prevention of falls in older people. 2013. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg161
- [3] Thies SB, Bates A, Costamagna E, et al. Are older people putting themselves at risk when using their walking frames? BMC Geriatr 20, 90 (2020). DOI
- [4] Costamagna E, Thies SB, et al. A generalisable methodology for stability assessment of walking aid users. Med Eng Phys. 2017 Sep;47:167-175.
- [5] Thies SB, Bevan S, et al. Evaluation of a novel biomechanics-informed walking frame. BMC Geriatr. 2023;23(1):734.
- [6] Clinical Briefing - Walk Safe® by NRS Healthcare, 2024.
