Walker with a lifting mechanism and walking monitoring system

Abstract

With the aging population, the physical and emotional strain on caregivers of elderly individuals with low mobility has become an increasingly relevant issue in society. To address this challenge, this study developed a walker equipped with a mechanism for lifting patients from a seated position and a data acquisition system for monitoring walking conditions. Initially, theoretical analyses were conducted to determine the best strategies for lifting a person from a seated position, identifying the optimal placement of supports for the maneuver, the main safety risks to the patient, such as falls, and the most relevant data for walking monitoring. Based on this information and the project requirements, existing walker models with lifting mechanisms were studied, serving as a reference for the initial design. Modifications were implemented during the prototyping phase. The designed walker uses a lever operated by the caregiver's feet for the lifting mechanism. It also includes safety straps to prevent falls, arm and knee supports, lockable wheels, and a monitoring system that records data such as oxygenation, heart rate, balance disturbances, speed, and acceleration. A wooden prototype was built and tested, demonstrating that the equipment offers good ergonomics and usability. The tests revealed greater ease in lifting the patient, requiring less effort from the caregiver.