UPWALKER???

[benning]

What do my fellow Ataxians think of it?all appreciated.

[neta]

looks good but how does it prevent forward tipping?? R U just concerned with falling back??

[benning in reply to neta]

That's why I am a bit hesitant to buy it.

[TedTom]

Friend uses a different type of rollator that looks similar but more sturdy than the one pictured. Main problem she has is finding the rollator quite wide when it comes to trying to manoeuvre in a tight space like a shop but not wide enough to accommodate the wide gait she needs to walk. This last point is critical in trying to maintain/improve a good upright posture to balance better when walking, but the rollator seems to need her to lean forwards / stoop to use it. The only time she’s upright is when like the model pictured she is right against the seat in between the handlebars, which of course she can’t do to walk (could anyone with ataxic gait?) cos of her wide stance. She is also quite tall and although the handlebars adjust this doesn’t really help enough with stability.

I would love to know if anyone else has found a product that provides better upright support or better still anyone who could make a specifically designed support as rollator type products would seem to have been designed for those who need some support for walking due to tired/injured/maybe ageing legs but not necessarily catering for the additional problems like judging gaps, stability, shakiness, coordination- how difficult it is to work brakes etc etc etc that can come with Ataxia.

Sorry for the long post it’s something that we have spent forever on trying to come up with a better solution, whatever you do try it out thoroughly in different settings before buying and hope it helps you , all the best.

[benning in reply to TedTom]

I feel your pain..

[123geoff in reply to TedTom]

Hello Tom, yes technology is available that you can be automatically controlled sit stand move. It all depends what country you are in on the type you can get also if you can get a free grant towards which type would suit you. A lot of people are not aware of certain types of technology which is available.

[BlanketTime1 in reply to TedTom]

thanks for the information. I've wondered about these.

[pinjem]

Please look at this site, it has sturdy walkers which allow correct posture. I have a Sport trionic veloped, it is brilliant! Pricey but you really get what you pay for (freedom?) trionic.uk/en/?infinity=ict... I cannot attach images so no pics!

[benning in reply to pinjem]

Their not cheap are they,I think I might just stick with my Trike for now.

[pinjem in reply to benning]

No, not cheap. If my vision and depth assessment improves, I'd love a trike like yours.

[benning]

thanx

[123geoff]

Hello Benning, in my opinion, anyone with gait condition walking I would say no. Ataxia walking you tend to go side by side and with certain types of walking frames, they are not suitable with the flimsiness of full weight to one side to other similar to a drunken steps type. The number of broken bones that are national through using certain types of walkers. What a lot a people may not aware of which is much safer is a weight vest you wear under clothing that keeps your posture straight keeps you level if you tend to go one-sided. Have a nice day Benning enjoy life to the full.

[pinjem in reply to 123geoff]

See my reply about trionic velopeds?

[FFNick]

By leaning forward there is no chance of falling. I am over 6 feet tall and have walker arms at maximum extension. Periodically I tighten up all the bolts as some have gone missing. By leaning on the walker you spread you stability base.

And yes the wheels interfere with my wider stance.

Turning is fun. Engineering physics says the handles need to be within the wheels for your stability.

It is a TOPRO and have spare wheels for anyone.