25 November 2024
Traditional front-wheeled walking frames have remained largely the same for several decades despite users’ difficulties with comfort and navigation. The Walk Safe® is an innovative indoor walking frame designed to improve stability, safety and independence, that aims to set a new standard.
Developed through two years of academic research with the University of Salford, a year of clinical research with healthcare professionals and trusted NHS partners, followed by a year of production design, the Walk Safe® is the first of its kind to offer twice the stability when turning, ease of use, and ergonomic support. It allows users to navigate daily tasks more comfortably, safely, and independently. Read our guide to find out everything you need to know about this innovative walking frame.
The Walk Safe® is the only clinically proven front-wheeled frame to offer twice the stability when turning, addressing many of the concerns of traditional walking frames. Backed by years of academic research and development by leading healthcare professionals and tested by physiotherapists at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the Walk Safe® meets the highest quality, safety and usability standards.
The Walk Safe® allows users to rediscover their independence and confidence whilst keeping them safe. The swivel front wheels with patented magnetic bias allow the user to turn without lifting, doubling user stability. The large diameter front wheels and rear glides enable smoother transitions across different surfaces. The frame is easy and intuitive to use and offers excellent manoeuvrability.
The Walk Safe® is patented across multiple territories including in the UK (Patent GB2613198); China Utility Patent (ZL202122982123.8) and according to International Patent Publication WO/2023/094832. Further, patents are pending in Australia (AU2022395923), Canada (CA3239048) and the US (US18712590).
Traditional walking frames have seen little to no innovation or improvement for over 75 years, with models like the Zimmer frame dating back to the 1940s. Despite their frequent use in healthcare settings and assisted living, these walking frames are dated, have poor ergonomics, and are difficult to turn, restricting mobility and compromising user safety. They are also not suitable for use when standing up or sitting down.
The University of Salford tested the stability and usability of traditional walking frames. It found that front-wheeled walking frames are difficult to use and require lifting to turn, reducing user stability and potentially increasing fall risk. They also identified problems crossing carpet thresholds.
Enter: the Walk Safe® walking frame.
The Walk Safe® was developed following a two-year research programme between NRS Healthcare and the University of Salford. We identified that a walking frame should remain in contact with the ground during all activities to increase stability and safety.
This was achieved by developing swivel front wheels with patented magnetic bias, which enable the user to turn without lifting the frame. Larger diameter front wheels and rear glides with pressure brakes allow effortless crossing of thresholds; these features doubled user stability when turning during trials.
Traditional walking frames don’t offer users any support when standing, which can be a problem when pushing up from a chair or bed. The Walk Safe® walking frame addresses this issue.
We developed additional lower handles placed within comfortable reach of a seated user. These handles can be used to safely push up from a seated position and lower back down.
In addition to its innovative performance and increased safety and stability, the Walk Safe® offers a wealth of other unique advantages to enhance the user’s experience.
As it’s easier to use, the Walk Safe® allows users to complete their daily activities with less physical effort, giving them more energy to walk. This, in turn, can improve fitness, muscle and bone strength, and overall well-being. For many users, the Walk Safe® could significantly improve their quality of life and the ability to be more independent.
The Walk Safe® is available in two sizes:
It is very important that the Walk Safe® is set to the correct height. To measure the correct height of the frame, stand in your shoes with your hands by your side. Measure from the floor to your wrist joint. This is the correct frame height.
You can adjust the frame for height and width using the button locks on the frame. When you hold the frame your elbows should be slightly bent, and your hips should fit inside the frame.
Complete Care Shop prioritises your comfort, safety and independence above all, which is why we’re proud to introduce the innovative NRS Healthcare Walk Safe® front-wheeled walking frame. It’s designed and tested with users in mind and backed by years of research to provide you with a new level of mobility and safety.
If you have any further questions about the Walk Safe® walking frame, don’t hesitate to contact us. Browse more of our user-focused mobility aids and get in touch with our qualified Occupational Therapists for expert product advice and guidance.
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