Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the impact of power mobility devices (PMDs) varies
as a function of stage of usage and to explore key factors associated with
greater life-space mobility for middle-aged and older adults. DESIGN: Multicohort
study with respondents grouped as a function of stage of PMD usage (reference
group with mobility impairments, n=42; initial users, 1-6mo, n=35; long-term
users, 12-18mo, n=39). Cohorts were compared with respect to life-space mobility
in a continuum of environments ranging from home to outside town, using analysis
of variance and chi-square tests. Baseline personal, assistive device,
intervention, and environmental factors associated with life-space mobility were
explored with age-adjusted linear regression models. SETTING: Four Canadian
rehabilitation centers. PARTICIPANTS: Random sample of middle-aged and older
adults (N=116; 50-89y) living in the community or residential care. INTERVENTION:
Procurement of a powered wheelchair or scooter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Life-Space
Assessment composite score. RESULTS: Cohort comparisons showed higher frequency
of outings for PMD users in the neighborhood (P<.001) and around home (P<.05) and
significantly greater Life-Space Assessment composite scores for initial and
long-term users than for the reference group (P<.05). Factors such as sex, the
nature of activities, and device type explained variances in Life-Space
Assessment composite score ranging from 15.9% to 18.0% (P<.006). CONCLUSIONS:
Life-space mobility increases after PMD use and remains stable across the stages
of initial and long-term use. To appreciate the impact of PMDs, clinicians should
consider the environment and a combination of personal and device factors that
are associated with the range of life-space mobility in the first 18 months after
procurement.

Langue : ANGLAIS