Smart walker boosts walking efficiency and dynamic balance in older adults

(Toronto, September 2, 2026) Researchers led by Dr. Phurichaya Werasirirat, Dr. Pornpimol Muanjai, Dr. Oranat Sukkho, Dr. Nongnuch Luangpon, and Dr. Juntip Namsawang from the Department of Physical Therapy at Burapha University in Thailand, alongside Dr. Audrius Snieckus from the Lithuanian Sports University, have evaluated a novel smart wheeled walker designed to enhance mobility and safety for aging populations. Published in JMIR Aging, the randomized crossover trial revealed that the smart wheeled walker significantly improved walking speed, reduced exertion, and boosted dynamic balance compared to a traditional 4-wheeled rollator.

In a single-blind trial involving 30 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 to 80 with mild balance impairments, participants completed standardized walking assessments using both a conventional walker and the smart walker, separated by a 30-minute rest period. The smart walker featured an ergonomic aluminum frame, multidirectional wheels, adjustable handle height, continuous photoplethysmography (PPG)-based heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) monitoring, and a tilt sensor-based fall detection system capable of sending mobile alerts. Results demonstrated that participants walked significantly faster with the smart walker (28.77 m/min vs 18.14 m/min, P<.001) and exhibited a lower Physiological Cost Index (0.36 beats/m vs 0.69 beats/m, P=.02), indicating greater mechanical efficiency. Dynamic balance also improved, with participants completing the Expanded Timed Up and Go (ETUG) test faster with the smart device (50.06 seconds vs 64.47 seconds, P=.048). Fear of falling scores showed a slight numerical reduction but did not reach statistical significance.

The authors note that while these short-term clinical trial results demonstrate clear physical performance gains under supervised conditions, the device's comprehensive features, including real-time physiological monitoring and remote fall alerts, provide vital clinical data to help mitigate fall risks and support safer mobility. Long-term studies in real-world home environments are recommended to further assess device safety, user adherence, and long-term fall prevention.

Original article: 

Werasirirat P, Muanjai P, Sukkho O, Luangpon N, Snieckus A, Namsawang J. A Smart Wheeled Walker With Integrated Physiological Monitoring to Improve Mobility in Older Adults: Randomized Crossover Trial. JMIR Aging 2026;9:e99522

URL: https://aging.jmir.org/2026/1/e99522

DOI: 10.2196/99522

About the Journal

Part of the JMIR family of journals JMIR Aging is a premier peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on digital health, medical internet applications, and innovative technologies for aging populations.

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