By kbeveridge
Rollator walkers can help you balance, gain more mobility, and allow you to rest when you are out and about. However, if you’ve never used one before, you might be wondering where to start. First of all, you need to get the right walker fit for your body.
To measure for a rollator walker, you need to consider your height, width, weight, and wheels’ size. Choosing a rollator that fits your dimensions is essential for maintaining good posture and comfort. Otherwise, you can develop postural problems.
In this guide, we cover the different sizes of walkers and why you need to take your measurements. We also explain how to measure for a rollator walker so you can get the best fit.
Why Should You Measure for a Rollator Walker?
Not all rollator walkers are the same, and they come in various sizes and styles. Choosing a walker that fits your dimensions is vital for comfort and safety. A poorly-fitting walker can damage your posture and cause joint problems.
If your rollator is too short, then you will have to lean forwards to use it. This can cause poor posture, which in turn hurts your neck. It puts extra pressure on the spine and increases tension in the muscles of your neck.
This extra pressure could also cause joint problems like carpal tunnel, osteoarthritis, or tendinopathy.
On the other hand, a rollator that is too high is also damaging. If you have to reach up to use the walker, you risk destabilizing yourself and even falling.
Because of these reasons, it is always crucial to choose a rollator walker that fits you.
How to Measure for a Rollator Walker
When you measure for a rollator, there are a few different factors that you need to consider. These measurements include height, seat width, weight, and the correct kind of wheels.
In general, you can use a simple tape measure and scales. However, we recommend taking measurements twice to verify the accuracy of the numbers.
Height
You need to measure your height for the handlebar placement and position of the seat. If the handles are too low, then you will need to hunch forwards and ruin your posture. Furthermore, if the chair is the wrong height, you will struggle to sit down and stand up.
To measure the necessary height of the handlebars, follow these steps:
- 1Wear your regular shoes and stand up straight on a flat surface.
- 2Let your arms hang naturally.
- 3Get a helper to measure from the floor to the start of your wrist.
- 4This measurement shows how tall the handles need to be.
To measure the necessary height of the seat, follow these steps:
- 1Continue with the same shoes and stand on a flat surface.
- 2Ask your helper to measure from the back of your knees to the floor.
- 3This measurement is how high the chair should be off the ground.
Width
You will need to measure your hips’ width to know how wide the seat needs to be. If the chair is too narrow, you may feel uncomfortable or even fall when you try to sit down.
To measure the necessary width of the seat, follow these steps:
- 1Sit down on a regular dining chair.
- 2Position your legs to a comfortable seat.
- 3Get a helper to measure the distance between your hips.
- 4This measurement shows you how wide the seat needs to be at a minimum.
Weight
Rollators have a maximum weight limit, which is the amount they can comfortably support. If you need to sit down on the walker’s chair part, you want to be confident that the walker can handle it.
To accurately measure your weight, follow these steps:
- 1Check that your electronic scales have new and functional batteries.
- 2Put on the clothes that you usually wear when using your walker.
- 3Step on the scales and read the measurement.
- 4You may want to measure yourself a second time to make sure that the scales are accurate.
- 5You may also like to measure yourself later in the day, so you know your highest fluctuating weight.
Wheels
Rollator walkers usually have wheels of either 6 or 8 inches (15.2 or 20.3cm) in diameter. You may find some other size variations, but these are the standard options.
The correct wheel size doesn’t depend on your measurements but on where you want to use the walker. The smaller wheels function well inside and don’t need as much space to turn. Therefore, they can maneuver in smaller spaces.
The larger wheels function better in outdoor terrains. They can navigate surfaces like grass, dirt, and even gravel. If you travel a lot outside, then you should consider the larger wheels. However, they are not suitable for smaller homes with narrow passageways.
That being said, the larger wheels can add extra height to the walker. However, you are better off accommodating your size with the handles and seat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a well-fitting rollator walker can help you move and balance more easily. However, a poorly-fitting walker can cause postural and joint problems in the long-term. Therefore, you should always choose the best fit for your body.
When measuring for a rollator walker, pay attention to the height of your wrists and knees, as well as the width of your hips. We recommend getting another person to take your measurements for the most accuracy.
By taking the extra time to measure, you can get the most comfortable option for you. Good luck!
Sources:
The Effect of a Rollator on Plantar Pressure and Foot Balance during Gait in old-aged Adults
How a Rollator Differs From a Walker
How to measure for Rollator Walker
Choosing the Best-Fit Walker for You -Height, Width, Wheels, & Weight
How to Measure for a Rollator or Walker
How Poor Posture Causes Neck Pain
Tendinopathy: Definition, Comparison to Tendonitis, and Treatment
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