Objective: To develop and evaluate a qualitative and quantitative instrument for selecting the ideal mobility aid for those with mobility disorders.
Setting: A district general hospital-based geriatric unit.
Subjects: Elderly inpatients and outpatients with mobility disorders.
Interventions: Structured assessments with different mobility aids to select the most suitable.
Outcome measures: Safety, stance, stability, step/stride pattern and speed were considered.
Results: The 'S' test successfully selected an aid for all 49 subjects. For most this aid offered marked improvement in qualitative and quantitative aspects of gait when compared with the subject's usual aid.
Conclusions: The 'S' test is an effective tool for selecting mobility aids within an institutional setting.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Sudarsky L.Geriatrics: gait disorders in the elderly. N Engl J Med1990; 322(20): 1441-45.
2.
Mahoney J., Euhardy R., Carnes M.A comparison of a two wheeled walker and a three wheeled walker in a geriatric population. J Am Geriatr Soc1992; 40: 208-12.
3.
Wright DL, Kemp TLThe dual task methodology and assessing the attentional demands of ambulation with walking devices. Phys Ther1992; 72: 306-12.
4.
Nabizadeh SA , Hardee TB, Towler MA, Chen VT, Edlich RFTechnical considerations in the selection and performance of walkers. J Burn Care Rehabil1993; 14: 182-88.
5.
Joyce BM, Kirby RLCanes, crutches and walkers. Am Fam Physician1991; 43(2): 535-42.
6.
G. Mulley ed .Everyday aids and appliances. London: British Medical Journal, 1989.
7.
Goldfarb BJ, Simon SRGait patterns in patients with amyotrophic later sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil1984; 65: 61-65.
8.
Wade DT, Langton-Hewer R.Functional abilities after stroke: measurement, natural history and prognosis . J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry1987; 50: 177-82.
9.
May D., Nayak Usl, Isaacs B.The life-space diary: measure of mobility in old people at home. Int Rehabil Med1985; 7: 182-87.
10.
Wolfson L., Whipple R., Amerman P., Tobin JNGait assessments in the elderly: a gait abnormality rating scale and its relation to falls. J Gerontol1990; 45: 12-19.
11.
Cohen J.A coefficient of agreement for nominal scales. Educ Psychol Measurement1960; 20: 37-46.
12.
Sainsbury R. , Mulley GPWalking sticks used by the elderly. BMJ1982; 284: 1751.
13.
Page M., Galer M., Fitzgerald J., Feeney RJProblems of the selection, provision and use of aids. In: Bray J, Wright S eds. The use of technology in the care of the elderly disabled. Tools for living. London: Pinter, 1980: 119-23.
