Different Types of Walkers and Why We Use Them

The purpose of a walker is to provide support and balance and serve as a weight-bearing mechanism. Walkers are often recommended in pediatric physical therapy as a mobility aid for short-term or long-term use, depending on what a child is dealing with.

Why Do We Use Walkers?

We use walkers in pediatric therapy as a mobility aid for those children that need some support to walk. A child may have trouble walking due to a disorder such as cerebral palsy or could have an injury that is making using crutches difficult. Walkers are a way for children to be more independent and mobile.

It is important to note that a walker is not the same as a push-toy, gait trainer, or any tool used to help teach walking. A walker is a support that enables walking.

Types of Walkers

The two main types of walkers are anterior walkers and posterior walkers. Anterior walkers have the frame in the front, while posterior walkers have the frame in the back. Walkers can have various features such as two wheels and two legs, all four wheels, forearm supports, seats, or whatever the child requires. However, the type of walker (anterior vs. posterior) is significant.

An anterior walker has the child lean forward onto the walker, shifting their center of gravity forward and leaning at the hips. 

The posterior walker has the child lean backward on it, and the walker itself supports the center of gravity. This walker promotes better posture as the whole body is extended to walk.

Styles

The two basic types of walkers provide the main framework, but the style also comes into play.

A walker can come with no wheels, two wheels, or four wheels, and this all depends on how much resistance and stability a child needs, as well as how much strength and upper body mobility a child has.

Walkers can also come with forearm supports, chest plates, seats, and harnesses. Some models are even able to change from anterior to posterior. The walker style will come down to your child's needs are based on their strengths and weaknesses. For example, a child that can’t support their weight won’t benefit from an anterior walker and may need forearm supports and a harness.

• Sources

  Oroini, Becky. ”Understanding Anterior versus Posterior Walkers,” Special Tomato, accessed 4 October 2022, https://www.specialtomato.com/understanding-anterior-vs-posterior-walkers.

  Smith, Hulet. “How to Choose the Best Pediatric Walker,” RehabMart, accessed 4 October 2022, https://www.rehabmart.com/post/pediatric-walker-buying-guide-how-to-choose-the-best.