Is There A Walking Frame On The Market Better Than This? Please Help! (Photos attached!)

[disabledchap]

outdoors4.JPGoutdoors10.JPGoutdoors13.JPGoutdoors8.JPGoutdoors6.JPGoutdoors14.JPGoutdoors3.JPGoutdoors11.JPGoutdoors9.JPG


I am male, 37 and have cerebral palsy. I also have a deformed spine. Although I am mostly confined to a wheelchair and cannot walk unaided due to balance, etc., I can stand if outdoors5.JPGsupported.

I can walk a bit if given a high level of support. So I have taken on the challenge of walking one mile for charity. The trouble outdoors12.JPGis my balance is so poor that I have been unable to find a walking frame that is stable enough and suitable for outdoors (bumpy ground, curbs, outdoors1.JPGetc.) I have already tried several different walkers.

Due to this problem I have been forced to cobble together my own 'walker' (see photos).outdoors7.JPG It is not ideal. I mounted a 'toilet surround frame' onto the back of an old wheelchair. This was to provide a hand-rail and also prevent sideways falling. I have also been leaning my left elbow on the frame. Then I found the chair would tip back when I used the 'walker' so I weighted it down on the seat with a box of heavy books and also used a pole to make an extra long 'stabiliser'. Everything is held together by cable-ties.

When I started using the contraption I found that my arms and shoulders were aching and giving way before my legs ever would, suggesting that they were taking much of the weight. I tried to relieve some of the pressure by creating a sling in which to rest my right arm but it made little difference.

Firstly, I would be most grateful to know whether there is a walker on the market that would do the job better than home-made contraption, offering good stability support and outdoor performance. And all at a resonable price - a tall order, I'm sure! Hopefully, it will be held together with something stronger than plastic cable-ties.

Failing that, with my existing walker is there any way I can relieve the stress on my arms and shoulders?

Many thanks.

Please note, I am writing a book about my challenge and by posting a comment here you give permission for that comment to be published in the book.

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[Bijingo]

Hi there D Chap, That is quite a masterpiece you have constructed. If you are looking for something more streamlined and "off the shelf", have you ever tried a forearm/gutter walking frame? There are several types on the market - with 2 or 4 wheels, with brakes or just stoppers, with/without a seat etc. Try google and enter - forearm gutter walking frame - and see what you get. The forearm supports mean that there is less strain on your hands - the weight is taken through your forearms and up into your shoulders. You would have to try this type of frame to see if it works for you - best to get a physio who knows about this stuff, or go to a showroom where you can try the frames out with a friend/therapist there to help you. If you only need the device for this walk you are planning, then perhaps you can hire the equipment. For outdoor use I'm guessing you would need 4 wheels, but can you operate handbrakes? For your consideration. All the best!