early mobility walker Archives

Hospitals and Nursing Homes depend upon the EVA Support Walker

EVA Support Walker: The National Standard for Patient Mobility

by sphmedicaladmin January 15, 2026January 16, 2026

In the critical phases of patient recovery, mobility is not just a milestone; it is a therapeutic necessity. Early mobilization with patient handling products like the EVA Support Walker, has proven to reduce length of stay. Support Walkers help minimize complications like hospital-acquired pneumonia, and improve overall patient outcomes. However, the challenge for nurses and physical therapists has always been how to mobilize high-acuity, post-operative patients safely.

EVA Support Walker; The “Cardiac Walker

The EVA Support Walker, often referred to as the “Cardiac Walker,” is the definitive answer to this challenge. It is an innovative, high-performance mobility aid designed to provide maximum support and stability for patients taking their first steps after surgery or injury. Whether in an acute care hospital, a rehabilitation center, a nursing home, or a home care setting, the EVA Support Walker is the trusted tool for safe, effective early ambulation.

Engineered for Stability Across All Care Settings

Patient safety is paramount, especially when mobilizing individuals who are weak, unsteady, or recovering from major procedures. The EVA Support Walker is engineered to meet these demands across the entire continuum of care.

Acute Care Hospitals and ICUs

In the high-stakes environment of the ICU and acute care wards, early mobility protocols are essential for preventing physical deconditioning. The EVA Support Walker’s robust, welded steel frame provides the unwavering stability required for patients connected to multiple lines and drains. Its wide base options allow for wheelchair access, enabling patients to transition from sitting to standing with confidence and support.

Rehabilitation Centers

For physical therapists in rehab settings, the EVA Walker is an indispensable tool for gait training. Its ergonomic design supports the patient’s weight through the forearms, reducing the load on the lower extremities. This allows patients to focus on mechanics and endurance without the fear of falling, accelerating their rehabilitation journey.

Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care

In nursing homes, maintaining resident independence is a key goal. The EVA Support Walker provides the extra security residents need to move freely, reducing the risk of falls and the devastating injuries that often accompany them. Its intuitive design makes it easy for staff to adjust, ensuring that every resident receives a custom fit.

Home Care Recovery with the EVA Support Walker

The journey to recovery often continues at home. The EVA Support Walker is available in models specifically designed for home use, featuring a narrower base to navigate hallways and doorways with ease. This ensures that patients can continue their rehabilitation safely in the comfort of their own environment, maintaining the gains made during their hospital stay.

Advanced Features for Clinical Excellence

The EVA Support Walker is distinct from standard walkers due to its specialized features designed for clinical efficacy and patient comfort.

Pneumatic Height Adjustment

One of the standout features of the EVA Walker is its pneumatic height adjustment system. With a simple, conveniently located lever mechanism under the front armrest, caregivers can effortlessly raise or lower the padded armrests. This allows for seamless adjustments to accommodate patients ranging from 5′ to 6’5″ (Standard Adult Model), ensuring optimal posture and ergonomic alignment during ambulation.

EVA Support Walker; Ergonomic Design for Maximum Support

Traditional walkers require patients to grip handles and bear weight through their wrists and hands. The EVA Walker revolutionizes this by using padded, molded arm pads with sculpted forearm cutouts. This design distributes weight through the forearms, preventing arms from sliding off and significantly reducing strain on the wrists and shoulders. The forward-facing handgrips offer an improved ergonomic grip, promoting a natural, upright walking posture.

Essential Accessories for Complex Patients

High-acuity patients often come with complex equipment needs. The EVA Support Walker can be customized with a range of optional accessories to manage these requirements safely:

IV Pole with Mounting Bracket: Seamlessly integrates IV lines, keeping them secure and organized during mobilization.
Oxygen Tank Holder: Accommodates D & E tanks, ensuring patients on supplemental oxygen can mobilize without the hazard of dragging cylinders.
Front Basket: Provides convenient storage for personal items or medical necessities.

With Directional Casters on The EVA Support Walker You Get Precision Control

For patients who struggle with directional control or veer to one side, the EVA Support Walker offers optional Directional Casters. This feature allows caregivers to lock the rear casters to track in a straight line, preventing lateral drift and helping patients maintain a straight path down hallways. When tight turns or maneuvering is required, the casters can be unlocked for full 360-degree swivel capability. This level of control is vital for safe patient handling and effective gait training.

The EVA Walker is more than a piece of equipment; it is a catalyst for recovery. It empowers healthcare professionals to implement early mobility programs with confidence, knowing their patients are supported by the most stable and reliable platform available. By reducing the physical burden on staff and minimizing the risk of falls for patients, it aligns perfectly with modern Safe Patient Handling standards.

Don’t let inadequate equipment hinder your patient’s recovery. Choose the solution trusted by top facilities nationwide. Contact SPH Medical today to order your EVA Support Walker and discover why we are the leading supplier of early patient mobility solutions across the country. Equip your team with the best tools to enhance safety, improve outcomes, and get your patients moving again.

Also available is the EVA Mobility Walker Electric with Handbrake Casters or Directional Casters.

RoWalker and Platform Walkers XL Walker and Rise and Go support Early Mobility

Patient Handling

The Evolution of Early Patient Mobility and the Role of Platform Walkers

by sphmedicaladmin March 26, 2024March 27, 2024

Early patient mobility in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and rehabilitation settings has been a focus of medical research for several years now. The consistent finding across studies is the profound impact of early movement post-treatment on accelerating recovery times. Despite this, implementing these crucial protocols can present significant challenges, especially when accommodating the diverse needs of patients of different sizes. This is where platform walkers have come into play, revolutionizing the field of early patient mobility.

A Look Back at the Genesis of the Cardiac Walker

The cardiac walker was borne out of necessity – the need to mobilize patients safely and efficiently after cardiac procedures. It was designed to provide support and stability, allowing patients to walk during the early stages of recovery. Over time, these walkers have evolved in design and functionality, becoming more user-friendly and adaptable to individual patient needs.

The Rise of Early Patient Mobility Programs

Early Patient Mobility programs in the U.S. have been gaining traction over the past few years. These programs are designed to get patients moving as soon as possible after surgery or during intensive care treatment. Studies have shown that early mobility can lead to shorter hospital stays, improved physical function, and better overall patient outcomes. However, the implementation of such programs is not without its challenges, particularly regarding patient safety and comfort.

The critical role of early patient mobility programs in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is becoming increasingly recognized across the healthcare sector. These programs are designed to get patients moving as soon as possible, even during their intensive care treatment. The benefits of such initiatives are manifold and have far-reaching implications for both patients and healthcare providers.

Firstly, early mobility programs have been shown to significantly enhance patient outcomes. A study published in the Critical Care Nurse Journal found that early mobility can lead to improved physical function. This means that patients can regain their strength and independence faster, leading to an overall improvement in their health and wellbeing.

Secondly, these programs can also decrease lengths of stay in the ICU. Research in ScienceDirect’s Medical-Surgical Nursing Journal revealed that a controlled trial using a dedicated mobility team significantly reduced the length of ICU stays. This not only frees up valuable resources for other patients but also reduces the psychological impact of a prolonged hospital stay on patients.

Finally, early mobility programs can result in lower costs for healthcare providers. Despite the initial investment required to implement such programs, studies have shown that they are cost-effective in the long run. An article in the American Journal of Nursing highlighted the potential financial benefit of implementing an early mobility program at UCSF, demonstrating that the reduced length of stay and improved patient outcomes outweigh the additional staffing costs.

Early patient mobility programs in ICUs offer a host of benefits. They improve patient outcomes, reduce lengths of stay, and lower costs, making them an invaluable component of modern ICU care.

The Intersection of Cardiac Walkers and Early Patient Mobility

This is where cardiac or platform walkers come in. They offer a safe and effective solution to mobilize patients early in their recovery process. These devices provide support and balance, reducing the risk of falls and promoting patient confidence during mobility sessions. By facilitating patient movement, they play a crucial role in the success of Early Patient Mobility programs.

The Impact of Cardiac Walkers and Platform Walkers in Early Patient Mobility Programs

Cardiac walkers are also known as platform walkers. Under both names they have been instrumental in advancing Early Patient Mobility programs. They offer a safe and efficient means of mobilizing patients, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing recovery times. Evidence from multiple studies supports the effectiveness of these devices in promoting early mobility.

The Future of Early Patient Mobility with Platform Walkers

The rising trend for Early Patient Mobility programs shows no signs of slowing down. As healthcare professionals continue to recognize the benefits of early mobility, the demand for effective tools such as platform walkers is likely to increase.

Healthcare providers are encouraged to embrace these tools as integral parts of their Early Patient Mobility programs. By doing so, they can enhance patient care and improve outcomes, all while ensuring patient safety and comfort.

As we look to the future, one thing is clear – platform walkers are set to play a pivotal role in the landscape of early patient mobility, shaping the way we approach patient recovery in ICUs and rehabilitation settings.

In conclusion, SPH Medical stands at the forefront of innovation in early patient mobility solutions. As a leader in the field, we are committed to enhancing patient care and improving outcomes through our pioneering products. Our catalog includes the RoWalker, an advanced platform walker that is revolutionizing patient recovery in ICUs across the nation. Alongside the RoWalker, we offer the Bure Rise & Go, a reliable and robust walker designed for patients requiring extra support during rehabilitation. The Bure XL Walker caters to patients of all sizes, ensuring everyone can benefit from early mobility programs. Rounding up our suite of mobility solutions is the EVA Support Walker, a safe and secure solution for promoting patient independence during recovery.

Our products are more than just mobility aids; they are game-changers in early patient mobility programs. They offer unmatched safety features, ensuring patient comfort and confidence during mobility sessions. We back our product claims with hard statistics, demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing hospital stays and improving patient outcomes.

At SPH Medical, we believe in empowering patients and healthcare providers alike. Therefore, we not only provide groundbreaking products but also actively engage in educating medical professionals on the benefits of early mobility. Our call to action is clear – let’s embrace the future of early patient mobility together. By choosing SPH Medical, you’re choosing a partner dedicated to advancing patient care and revolutionizing the landscape of early patient mobility.

early mobility

Early Mobility Walkers Improving Outcomes

by sphmedicaladmin July 12, 2023July 17, 2023

Early Patient Mobility (EPM) is a practice that focuses on the early mobilization of patients, especially post cardiac surgery, to improve their outcomes. This practice has gained traction in recent years as its advantages and benefits have become known. By using an appropriate device such as the Rise and Go Platform Walker, RoWalker, or the Early Mobility EVA Walker nurses can help reduce hospital stays by encouraging movement and mobility earlier than would be otherwise possible.

Early mobility walkers provide a great advantage to nurses and patients alike. They allow for the patient to easily stand from a sitting position, which is especially beneficial post cardiac surgery when strength and energy levels are low. This standing frame also provides stability as the patient takes steps, making it safer than trying to take these early steps without proper support. Additionally, by providing an appropriate device such as the Rise and Go Platform Walker, RoWalker or Early Mobility EVA Walker, nurses can help reduce hospital stays by encouraging movement and mobility earlier than would be otherwise possible.

Overall, early patient mobility has many advantages that benefit both patients and nurses. By using appropriate devices such as those mentioned previously nurses can ensure that their patients are able to move about safely and effectively, thus improving patient outcomes whilst reducing hospital stays. With the right device and proper guidance from nurses, early patient mobility can help patients return to their everyday activities sooner than expected.

Benefits of the Rise and Go Platform Walker

The SPH Medical Rise and Go platform walker is an affordable, safe, and comfortable solution for early patient mobility and ambulation. It comes with a patented electric power rise function that enables patients to move from sitting to standing with ease while minimizing the strain on caregivers. The walker has lockable castors, an IP65 waterproof rating, and a unique power rise harness that promotes a natural standing action, making it easier and safer to move from sitting to standing. The electric walking frame widening feature makes it easier for patients to stand up from a sitting position, even if they are in a wheelchair, bed or chair.

The Rise and Go platform walker has an open, reinforced design for optimal stability during the standing maneuver, providing caregivers and patients with greater peace of mind. The sustainable design includes additional reinforcement bands that extend around the armrest cushion, reducing strain and warding off wear and tear. This feature increases lifespan and reduces costs for nursing homes, hospitals, private individuals, and other facilities.

The Rise and Go platform walker is suitable for early patient mobility, with height-adjustable shin supports that assist patients in achieving the right leverage and an anatomical cushion that enhances overall stability, providing support and relief to the arms, neck, and shoulders while shifting weight to the more powerful leg and chest muscles.

The hand controller on the walker is accessible to caregivers and patients, with ergonomic handles that can be adjusted in every direction for stroke patients who need to find the right positioning for their hands quickly. The flexible strapless adjustment makes it easy to set up the walker ahead of time, while folding armrests make it easy to store.

In summary, the SPH Medical Rise and Go platform walker is an excellent investment for anyone looking to provide patients with a safe, comfortable, and reliable solution for early mobility and ambulation. With features like electric power rise function, lockable castors, IP65 waterproof rating, and electrically driven frame widening, this walker provides optimal support and patient care. The sustainable, durable design ensures a long lifespan, making it a cost-effective solution for nursing homes, hospitals, private individuals, and other facilities.

Benefits of the Rowalker, “Early Mobility Walkers”

The SPH Medical RoWalker is a highly effective mobility device that enhances patient safety, particularly during walking. Featuring state-of-the-art designs, this mobile standing frame is perfect for low-functioning patients, post-cardiac and/or abdominal surgery patients, and nursing and rehab patients. The RoWalker is equipped with numerous features that make it ideal for patients in a variety of settings, including ICU’s, Med Surg, Ortho, Rehab, and more.

One of the main advantages of the RoWalker is the built-in seat pads that offer exceptional comfort and fall prevention. The unique split seat pads allow patients with weak legs to rest comfortably and safely while preventing falls. With adjustable settings that cater to individual users, the RoWalker is suitable for anyone, including short to very tall patients.

Moreover, the RoWalker provides excellent support for both walking and standing training, and it is perfect for early mobilization. It also enables staff to provide extra support to patients who are taking their first steps with the RoWalker. The seat flaps offer an excellent safety feature for patients as they walk, providing the opportunity to rest and challenge themselves to take more steps.

In addition to its other features, the RoWalker is fitted with padded forearm supports that are adjustable, ensuring an optimal fit for each patient. The soft knee pads offer patients extra support during standing while also protecting them during walking. The width-adjustable base allows for easy access to chairs and wheelchairs, making it easy and convenient to maneuver. The RoWalker comes with rear castors that enable straight walking, and front wheel brakes that lock and unlock easily.

Finally, the RoWalker is equipped with numerous accessories to enhance its effectiveness. The hospital’s nursing, therapy, and respiratory staff can take advantage of the telescoping IV pole, customized basket to support cardiac monitors, multiple attachment options for oxygen tanks, and supports for drainage bags. With all these features and benefits, it is no wonder that the RoWalker is widely regarded as the gold standard of early patient mobility devices.

Benefits of the Early Mobility EVA Walker

The Early Mobility EVA Walkers are available in manual (pneumatic) and electric raising versions. Both models offer post-op patients maximum comfort and stability during their rehabilitation process. With an ergonomic design, these walkers provide unparalleled support to those undergoing early walking exercises, ensuring a safe and effective recovery. The walkers come with padded, molded arm pads featuring sculpted forearm cutouts to prevent arms from sliding off, convenient round-shaped, forward-facing handgrips for an improved ergonomic grip, and an adjustable width between armrests (12″-19″), making it perfect for institutions with multiple users.

The height adjustment lever mechanism located under the front armrest support frame allows easy customization of the walker, accommodating users up to 6’5″/198cm tall. EVA Walkers also include non-marring casters with step-on wheel locks, making them an ideal aid for indoor use. For added safety, Step-on locking brakes are present on two rear casters, while the Handbrake model includes a locking brake on the hand grips.

Electric EVA Walkers come with directional steering casters that enable the user to control the direction of the walker. Front brakes engaged when the patient stands or gets in or out of the walker, while rear casters lock in a straight line with the frame, keeping the walker from drifting sideways, making it especially helpful for patients who have difficulty walking in a straight line. The caster locks can be disengaged to enable a 360-degree swivel and tight turns, promoting independence and building patients’ confidence.

The Electric EVA Platform Walker offers further convenience, with battery-operated height adjustment that adjusts between 36 1/2″ and 50″, and lifting capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg) for supporting patients during active standing. The walker comes equipped with an independent pendant hand control for easy operation and two 12v 2.9 rechargeable batteries that provide up to 6 minutes of continuous use per hour and a minimum of 50 up/down movements between charges.

SPH Medical Early Mobility Walkers provide safe, customizable, and effective mobility solutions for post-op patients during their rehabilitation process, maximizing their chances of a full recovery. Invest in the well-being of patients by working with SPH Medical to mobilize your patients.

Overall, the portfolio of Early Mobility Walkers from SPH Medical offer a wide arrange of options for use by nurses and Physical Therapists when attempting to implement early patient mobility practices. They offer optimal safety and support to patients, while providing improved outcomes and reduced hospital stays. With adjustable height settings, nurses can ensure that their patients are able to move about safely and effectively with minimal risk of injury or over-exertion. These unique Early Mobility Walkers also provide options for improved fall prevention with the RoWalker’s built-in seat flaps and the harness options available on the Rise and Go Platform Walkers.

Early Patient Mobility improves outcomes

early mobility

Safety Platform Walkers

by sphmedicaladmin April 26, 2021May 3, 2021

A Practical Solution for Early Mobility in the Acute Care Setting

By Amber Perez MHA, CSPHP

The benefits of early and progressive mobility programs are well-established in the acute care setting. Greater than a decade of published research validates the positive patient outcomes associated with implementing an early mobility (ICU-Based) and progressive mobility (acute care inpatient) program as an essential part of the patients plan of care. Marra and Ely of Vanderbilt University published the groundbreaking research establishing an intensive care patient protocol the ABCDE (now the ABCDEFG) method for reducing the risk of Delirium in ICU patients. Delirium, once under-diagnosed and rarely treated, is now recognized as a primary indicator for mortality and identified early in most ICU’s in the United States. Vanderbilt University’s groundbreaking results contributed to drastic improvements in the quality of life and mortality rates of an immeasurable number of patients as a result of widespread adoption of the methods and tools published in the protocol. One of the key components of the ABCDE method is the ‘E’ or Early Mobility intervention. Subsequent research further identifies benefits of mobility (early and progressive) to include reduced risk of hospital acquired pressure injuries, ventilator acquired pneumonias, patient falls, hospital readmissions, and length of stay. In addition, patients experience an improved discharge disposition1.

Hospitals all over the world are prescribing mobility as a standard component of patient care. While mobility programs offer exciting and promising outcomes and quality improvements for patients, it is not without challenges and risk. Without proper planning and integration with a facility Safe Patient Handling & Mobility (SPHM) program, risk for patient handling injury and patient falls risk increase.

In an independent survey of ICU and Hospital nursing leaders – the barriers reported with early mobility protocol implementation include: lack of caregiver resources, increased risk of patient falls, and risk of patient handling injury. In addition, nursing leaders reported greatest concern with “out of bed activities” specifically, “standing and ambulation”. Many leaders reported having advanced ICU beds capable of assisting with many tasks of the early mobility protocols- including, tilt table/ hemodynamic training, sitting, edge of bed, and early weight bearing. The greatest concerns for staff and caregiver safety emerged around patient standing and walking. Of the nursing leaders surveyed, the equipment used to assist in standing and walking patients ranked as most preferred for mobility activities as follows:

ICU/Inpatient Safety Walkers 66%
Ceiling lift with walking sling 24%
Mobile lift with walking sling 8%
Mechanical stand aid with removable footplate 2%

The following are comments captured on the survey related to each category:

ICU/ inpatient Safety walkers:
“Safest option available”, “Fits well in crowded rooms”, “Allows us to walk patients out of the room”, “Staff prefer this option”, “Intuitive, easy to operate”, “O2, IV and devices have a place to go on the walker”

Ceiling lift with walking sling:
“Not all rooms have ceiling lifts”, “Only works well with a XY ceiling track”, “We do not have dedicated walking slings” “Great option if we can find the walking slings” “limited to in room activity”

Mobile lift with walking sling:
“Mobile lifts are too big and bulky in the ICU room” “Cumbersome”, “No place to put O2 or devices”, “Improved safety, prevents falls”

Mechanical stand aid with removable footplate:
“Footplate not removable on our device”, “Not a good option for an unsteady patient”, “no place to put oxygen or IV”

Based on the majority of feedback, utilizing a safety platform walker is the preferred equipment for accessibility, safety, function, and efficiency.

Below is a decision table to help you identify which safety platform walker is right for you.

Walker
Features
Patient specific recommendations

RoWalker Features

400lb weight capacity
Fixed seats that rotate and flip
Directional locking castors
Accessory basket
O2 tank and IV pole holder
Manual height adjustment
Width adjustable platform

RoWalker – Patient specific recommendations

Ideal for patients able to come to a standing position independently
Consider when sling management is a barrier
Simple and intuitive
Higher weight capacity
Conducive to therapy activities
Consider for patients with sternal precautions

Rise & Go Platform Walker Features

330lb weight capacity
Safety sling with hygiene strap
Accessory basket
O2 tank and IV pole holder
Power stand assist
Directional locking castor available
Extra-wide adjustable platform
Swing away shin pads
Splash/water resistant design

Rise & Go Platform Walker – Patient specific recommendations

Ideal for deconditioned ICU level early mobility – power stand assist
Hygiene strap on sling allows OT’s to work with patient on ADL’s- water resistant design allows bathing therapy sessions with limited water spray
Swing away shin pads allow for progression in ambulation
Ideal for taller and smaller patients, longest stroke length on actuator
Small footprint for easy storage

XL Platform Walker Features

500lb weight capacity
Extra wide frame adjustments
O2 tank and IV Pole holder
Accessory basket
Shin pad accessory- removable
Extra wide adjustable platform

XL Platform Walker – Patient specific recommendations

Ideal for ambulatory bariatric patients
Power rise assists with sit to stand
Ideal for patients who are not a high fall risk
Patients with O2 and IV’s may be useful with therapy.

References:

Winkleman C, Johnson K, Hejal R, et al. Examining the positive effects of exercise in intubated adults in the ICU: a prospective repeated measure clinical study. Intensive Critical Care Nursing. 2012

Vollman K. Early progressive mobility: strategies for successful and safe achievement to impact short and long-term outcomes.

Roberts M, Johnson LA, Lalonde TL. Early mobility in the intensive care unit: Standard equipment vs a mobility platform. American Journal of Critical Care.

Marra A, Frimpong K, Ely EW. The ABCDEF Implementation Bundle. Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine (2383-4870). 2016

Pottenger BC, Pronovost PJ, Kreif J, et.al. Towards improving hospital workflows; an evaluation of resources to mobilize patients. Journal of Nursing Management. 2019

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