Comparison of gait between walking up and down an incline with a walking device in older adults

•Gait parameters could be significantly different between walking upward and downward an incline surface when using a rolling walker, but not seen when using a cane.•Gait parameters could be significantly different between using a rolling walker and using a cane when walking upward an incline, but not seen when walking downward an incline.•Suggested managements could be provided to geriatric clinicians to intervene this specific elderly population who use a rolling walker or a cane for daily activities. To identify the gait differences between cane and rolling walker (RW) use on incline and how these walking devices were received and used, 26 qualified older adults walked randomly on downward and upward with a cane and a RW respectively. With the RW use, downward walking show a faster velocity, higher cadence, less stance time, bigger steps and strides than upward walking (p≤.05); but no differences were seen with cane use. When comparing walking between a RW and a cane, those using a cane had faster velocity, larger step and stride lengths (P≤.01) but only during the upward condition. Incline surface plays a critical role in gait differences when walking with walking device. Geriatric professionals need to know the changes in gait that result from the type of device being used and need to incorporate this knowledge in the education provided to older adults for proper use of a walking device.