Article

This observational study explored the ability of people who had returned
home after hip fracture to complete specified walking tasks reflective of
community ambulation. METHOD: Walking distances, pedestrian crossing times,
kerbs, stairs and slopes were measured at 70 sites in a metropolitan area. From
these, five walking tasks were developed and 22 people who had received
rehabilitation after hip fracture attempted these tasks. Participants also
completed the Ambulatory Self-Confidence Questionnaire (ASCQ) and London Handicap
Scale. RESULTS: Most participants (18/22) were able to complete walking tasks
reflective of walking in the community. However, half of the participants
self-reported significant mobility restriction on the London Handicap Scale and
variable levels of confidence (ASCQ mean 6.5 SD 1.4) when walking in their
community. CONCLUSIONS: People living in their communities after hip fracture
were able to complete walking tasks reflective of community ambulation but
reported a lack of confidence in their walking ability and significant
self-perceived participation restriction. These results suggest that more
emphasis could be placed on strategies to increase patient confidence when
completing rehabilitation after hip fracture in order to allow successful
integration back to their community.

Langue : ANGLAIS