Risk Reduction Among Adult Walker Users: An Ergonomic Innovation

This study described the development of the design of an ergonomic adult walker that improved the maneuverability and stability and reduced the risk of pain and discomfort to its geriatric users. The current design of the walker was validated if it caused pain and discomfort to the different body parts of the users. Risks encountered and the factors that contributed to the discomfort of the users were also identified and analyzed. A survey was conducted using likert-based and Nordic questionnaire to assess the discomfort, pain and potential risks of certain body parts of the user. Quality Function Deployment was used to incorporate the needs of the users with regards to the features of the product. Rapid Entire Body Assessment was conducted to assess the postural risks and to identify the health risks that may develop with respect to the posture of the user. Anthropometric measurements were also determined to know the optimal dimension of the adult walker that will minimize the discomfort experienced. The proposed ergonomically designed walker successfully decreased the potential risk of having MSDs, pain, and discomfort and made it convenient to use. Cost-benefit analysis and the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) were also made to assess and compare the strengths, benefits, and weaknesses of the current and proposed design of the walker.