Before 'Posterior Walkers' there was and is the Kaye Posture Control Walker. And posture is what it is all about. The frame geometry and the frame strength of the Kaye Posture Control Walker is key to its success in assisting walking training. If you want to find out more about the clinical and gait implications of using the Kaye Walker compared with other paediatric walkers then please download our fact sheet with clinical references.
Used as both a walking training device and a community walking aid, the Kaye Walker, over the last 30 years, has redefined assisted walking across the world, with its ability to improve posture and walking pattern.
In today's busy world, therapists need versatile equipment that meets therapeutic objectives and also helps children become mobile and integrate more fully into society.
The Kaye Walker offers a good foundation on which to add additional accessories to enhance its offering to suit a wider group of potential users. Accessories include Forearm Gutters, Partial Weight Bearing accessory, Vertical and horizontal Handles, and support harnesses - as well as customised bespoke accessories.
Why this design?
The Kaye WalkerTM (Posture Control Walker) is designed to make walking less energy consuming whilst improving postural alignment. It has an open front end and this barrier-free design helps to improve the user's social development and interaction with others. It also enables the user to get closer to tables and play surfaces. The rear bar is also a key feature of the Kaye Walker™ as it acts as a stimulus on the user's hip extensors, prompting the user to take the next step.
As a child grows and the walker is adjusted in height, the "footprint" of the walker increases, therefore ensuring that the walker remains stable throughout its useful life. This has an important advantage over other walkers where the height is changed by extending the handle height and thereby moving the user forward in the walker creating more vulnerability.
Kaye Walker accessories
Positional accessories available include hip location pads (with or without a pelvic belt) and a range of forearm supports with alternative handholds/grips - are available for those who are unable to extend, or weight-bear, through their forearms.
As well as positional accessories, Quest also supplies a range of lifestyle accessories to make things easier for you and/or your child. These include 'Oarsome' grips which spread any upper loading more efficiently through your hands, the 'Q' bag school satchel, and Activity Wheels for rougher terrain.
Availability in your area
The availability of NHS funding for lifestyle accessories, such as activity wheels, may vary according to where you live in the UK. However, these items are available direct from Quest. They do not necessarily alter the therapeutic or geometric aspects of Kaye Walkers but may enhance the user and family experience. It is worthwhile checking with your therapist for suitability before you order.
Your therapist may or may not be aware of the availability of some accessories and some accessories may be overlooked where walkers are recycled and reissued to new families and users. If your child tends to migrate into the corners of the frame whilst walking or stationary, it may be that hip location pads are the solution. They may or may not have been supplied to you with a loan equipment walker from an equipment pool. Please ask your therapist whether this accessory is suitable as it could make a world of difference!
For more information or an assessment please contact our Head Office.
