Certain medical conditions in older adults can affect balance. The U Step Walking Stabilizer is designed to provide guided assistance to seniors and the elderly who may suffer from neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, ALS, MSA, PSP and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
The 3-dimensional Innovative brake system helps to control gait and prevent falls thereby making the walker the ideal candidate to improve the mobility and quality of life of seniors and the elderly with neurological disorders and balance issues.
Understanding the U Step Walking Stabilizer Design
General Description & Operation
The patented U-shaped base and stable foundation of the U Step 2 Walker is unique. Users quickly realize that the experience is quite different from pushing a typical walker as they feel more safe and secure as the U-Step 2 encircles and moves with the user only if they move.
Check the Manufacturers Manual to identify the different parts of the U Step 2 Walker
Most individuals can safely walk three to four times faster using the U-Step Walker 2, compared to using a standard walker. The wheel configuration allows the user to turn around easily and safely in an area as small as 29 inches, and at only 22 inches wide, users can easily walk through narrow doorways.
The patented spring-loaded front caster system glides easily over uneven surfaces preventing sudden uncomfortable jolts to the user and eliminating energy that would have been required to lift the walker over small obstacles.
This Walking Stabilizer can be easily folded by lifting the release lever by the seat and pulling up on the seat support.
The braking system is easy to operate and allows the user to be in complete control of its operation as the U-Step 2 will not roll unless the user is ready to start walking. Here is how this works:
Brake Operation
Lightly squeezing either brake release lever will cause the walker to roll along as the user takes steps. Once the user releases the lever, the unit will stop immediately. This safety feature is very helpful on occasions when standing up from a chair because it will not allow the walker to roll away from the user.
To move forward, the user will press down on the left or right release lever of the brake handle. This is especially helpful for users lacking the hand strength to squeeze a standard hand brake.
Alternatively, to move forward, the user will flip the back rest over and press down on it to release the brakes for walking. This is also beneficial for those lacking hand strength. The brakes can be easily engaged (locked) by flipping the back rest forward.
Control Speed
Unlike other rolling walkers, you can adjust the rolling speed of the U-Step 2. Many seniors and the elderly frequently complain that wheeled walkers roll too fast for them. This is why the device has been equipped with a control for setting the rolling resistance to a comfortable level.
Features of the U Step Walking Stabilizer
Product Features and Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 375 lbs.
- Product Weight: 21 lbs.
- Padded Seat Width: 19″
- Seat Depth: 8″
- Recommended User Height: 5’1″ – 6’1″
- Hand brakes
- Adjustable Height. Seat-to-Floor Height: 22″
- Overall Walker Width: 23″
- Overall Walker Length: 25″
- Handle Bars: Ergonomically positioned with comfort grip
- Backrest: Adjustable with Three positions
- Max. Handle Height: 38.5″
- Min. Handle Height: 28″
- Number of Wheels: 7
- Wheel Features: High impact non-marking wheels (4″); spring loaded front wheel
- Tension adjustment knobs
- Basket – Included
- Accessory: Laser projected red line (optional)
Available Models of the U Step Walking Stabilizer Walker
The U 2 Walker comes in 3 models –
• Standard (for heights between 5’2” -6’1”)
• Small (for heights between 4’3”-5’2”)
• Tall (for heights between 6’2” – 6’8”)
Dimensions by Model / Size
Standard (5’2”-6’1” tall) 22” seat height; hand grips up to 38.5”,
Small (4’3”-5’2” tall) 19” seat height; hand grips up to 35.5”,
Tall (6’2”-6’8” tall) 22” seat height; hand grips up to 41.5”
Benefits of the U Step Walking Stabilizer
Posture Correction: The U-shaped frame surrounds center of gravity of a user to encourage a more upright posture and reduce the tendency to shuffle.
Provides Stability: The U Step 2 Walker is designed to provide greater postural stability helping to prevent and reduce falls. Users also feel safer because of the U-shaped design that envelopes their frame while walking.
Increased Maneuverability: The U-Step also boasts a unique wheel configuration, which enables it to have a very tight turning circle (29 inches/74cm) making it more maneuverable in small spaces such as toilets. The patented spring-loaded front caster wheel system glides easily over uneven surfaces. The U-Step can be used inside or outside
Operation of a Special Brake Mechanism: Beneficial for users lacking the hand strength to squeeze a standard hand brake.
Things To Note – Is the U Step Walking Stabilizer Right for Me?
There are a few important considerations that may influence the decision about the suitability of the U Step Walking Stabilizer for a user.
The U Step 2 Walker is larger and heavier than traditional rollators and may not be suitable for smaller, frail elderly users or others lacking the strength to maneuver a larger mobility device.
Compared to other walkers and rollators, it is obvious that the U Step 2 Walker Stabilizer is a bit pricey. However, the price reflects that it is a specialized mobility product designed to address neurological balance issues.
The walker is designed and produced to be durable because of the added quality, comfort and safety elements not found in many other walkers.
Conclusion – U Step Walking Stabilizer
The U Step Walking Stabilizer is a revolutionary product designed to enhance the quality of life of users experiencing neurological conditions. This article reviews the benefits and potential concerns (for the mobility device.
Furthermore, truly understanding the differences between the 3 models (Small, Standard and Tall) will assist you to decide which model is best suited for your needs based on the product specifications.
It is always recommended that you have a discussion with the doctor for additional insights. Or, maybe this walker has already been recommended to you, in which case you are simply doing your research prior to purchase.
Hope the article was helpful. Leave a comment below.
Related Articles
- Poor Balance in Seniors – Why Oh Why?
- What is Arthritis. Focus on Seniors
- Arthritis and Insomnia. A Sure Recipe for Senior Falls
- How to Choose A Rollator – Benefits for These Medical Conditions
References
In-Step U Step 2 Walking Stabilizer Manual https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1478510/In-Step-Mobility-U-Step-2-Walking-Stabilizer.html
HI Ceci,
Thanks for your U Step Walking Stabilizer review. I do like the features of this one, with the rounded base that is weighted with low centre of gravity. The video and your review showed this is great for multiple surfaces and allows for great control by the users. Wonderful that the rolling resistance of the wheels can be adjusted.
My dad is in need of one of these and when he can overcome stubbornness around using a walker…I will keep trying to help him.
Hi John,
I can feel your frustration with your Dad especially since you are recommending something that will drastically improve his quality of life. My mother was just like that until she had no option but to give it a try, and she is nowexceedingly happy she did.
Ceci
Thank you for your post. I like the way the U Step Walker has a pad that allows people to rest. This walker looks extremely sturdy and great for people who have had strokes or parkinson’s disease. I’m glad it’s not one size fits all coming in small, standard and tall. Although this walker is a bit pricey, I think this is a good walker that will enhance the quality of life of older people and sickly people.
Hi Shalisha,
Thanks for visiting the site.
Superior senior walkers that cater to those with certain diseases are pricey because of all the safety requiremsnts that the manufacturers need to satisfy 🙂
Ceci
Hi Ceci,
thanks for the informative post. Definitely seems like it will help with those who are struggling for balance. But you mention it is a little heavier than other models, is it still relatively easy to get into and out of a car for when we take my nan out for walks?
thanks
Hi John, to aid with balance, of necessity, these walkers must be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the senior using it. However, they are still fairly easy to load into your car!
Ceci
These are good for the seniors that have a hard time standing for long periods of time and if they are off balance it will allow them to stand up straight.
It is the perfect time to get another one for my grandma she is needing a new one and this seems to be all the right specs as hers.
We are going to bookmark this page and come back to visit later.
Cheers,
MnD
Matthew/Deloris,
Delighted that you found value in this article for your grandma. Balance is extremely important for the elderly to prevent, slips. trips and falls.
Ceci