Objective: Develop and evaluate a low-cost walker with trunk support for senior citizens. Method: Two-stage descriptive study: development of a walker with trunk support and evaluation with fourth age senior citizens. Results: Twenty-three fourth age senior citizens were selected. The evaluated criteria were the immediate influence of the walker on the static stabilometry with baropodometer and the evaluation of gait with accelerometers monitoring time and amplitude of the hip movement. There was a significant decrease in the body oscillation of senior citizens with the use of the developed walker, and there were changes in the joint amplitudes of the hip, but they were not significant. Conclusion: Using low-cost materials, it was possible to develop and equipment that met resistance and effectiveness requirements. The walker interfered in the balance of the senior citizens, reducing significantly the static body oscillation.
DESCRIPTORSWalkers; Aged, 80 and over; Postural Balance; Low Cost Technology.Development and evaluation of low-cost walker with trunk support for senior citizen* Desenvolvimento e avaliação de andador de baixo custo com suporte de tronco para idosos Desarrollo y evaluación de andador de bajo costo con soporte de tronco para ancianos
INTRODUCTIONThe population group called fourth age, or very old senior citizens, is formed by people aged 80 or more (1) . This plot is growing and, according to demographic projections, they will be 30% of the Brazilian population in 2050 (2) . In spite of this growth deriving from the improvement of basic life conditions, functionality cannot follow the passing of time (3)(4) . Therefore, senior citizens are a heterogeneous group as for the independence in completing activities of interest and in the quality of life (2,5) . Among the possible difficulties related to the age increase, there are balance and gait alterations, known as Postural Instability. With the decline of the sensorial capacities and the decrease of biomechanical skills, senior citizens tend to present unbalances and difficulties to maintain orthostatism and, consequently, an independent gait (6) . The most dangerous consequence of these alterations is falling, which may cause fractures and immobilization (4,7) . In these cases, there may be a decrease in the bone mass, reduction of the blood circulation, alterations in the respiratory function, appearance of pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence and intestinal constipation (8) . In addition, falls are the main mortality and morbidity cause among older senior citizens (9) . The occurrence of falling episodes increases with the age, since around 30% of the individuals aged more than 65 falls at least once a year; above 74, this index increases to 35% and after 85 years old, it goes up to 51% (10) . With the intent to stimulate mobility, independence and functionality in senior citizens, it is possible to introduce gait or locomotion helping devices in their routine (11) . Depending on the damage level, it is possible to recommend the ...
