Rollators are devices designed to help support you when you walk. A University of Toronto study notes that rollators are wheeled walking aids that can come with two, three or four wheels. The idea behind the rollator is that people who are weak or injured can still move around with assistance instead of becoming completely stationary and relying on wheelchairs.
Purpose of Rollators
Rollators are walkers or walking devices that are pushed by people while walking to help support them. MayoClinic.com notes that generally walkers with four wheels are used by people who need less support and therefore can walk faster. According to Rollator.org, rollators are used for a variety of reasons but usually by people who are overweight or disabled in some way.
Rollators' Effect on Exercise
Rollators allow people who otherwise could or would become immobile to still be able to move around and walk on their own. Their main benefit is to support you so that you do not have as high of a risk of falling. This enables you to still move around and get exercise instead of being bound to a wheelchair or a seated form of exercising.
Benefits of a Rollator
A University of Toronto study regarding patients with lung problems noted that rollators were beneficial in helping improve exercise capacity and reduce rest time. This is important because, according to the study, certain conditions can become so debilitating that the patient must adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Then over time, symptoms get worse and the patient's condition deteriorates. With a rollator, however, a patient can walk, and that is often a preferred form of exercise for many patients with lung issues.
Buying a Rollator
In some cases, doctors can prescribe a rollator to you which will enable you to purchase one for little or no cost. Rollator.org says that your doctor will be able to recommend or prescribe the appropriate type or style that will work best for you. If you are buying a rollator on your own, it is important to consider stability. If you need more stability or you are at greater risk of falling, you should stick with a two-wheeled model because the greater the number of wheels, the greater the potential rollator speed.
Using a Rollator
You can get exercise by using your rollator to do anything. Using it as a walker, you are able to get exercise doing daily tasks around the home that you might not be able to do without the device. You can also use it outside as part of a walking program or to assist you walking in the community. The devices come in so many styles and sizes you will be able to find one to suit whatever task you need it for.
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