Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of the use of a rollator walking aid on
assessment of gait and mobility. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal study.
SUBJECTS: Geriatric patients during inpatient rehabilitation (n=109; mean age
83.1 years). METHODS: Assessment at the beginning and prior to discharge from
rehabilitation using: gait-analysis (GAITRite(R), speed, cadence, stride-time,
stride-length, base-of-support, double-support),
Performance-Oriented-Mobility-Assessment (POMA), and Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG).
Differences between outcomes obtained without and with rollator use were
calculated for baseline assessment and for changes over time for the total group
and subgroups according to diagnosis (hip fracture vs. other). Responsiveness was
calculated using standardized response means. RESULTS: Baseline performances were
significantly (p </= 0.05) higher when assessed with vs. without rollator in the
total group and in hip fracture (except cadence) and other (except cadence,
stride-time, TUG) patients. Changes over time were significantly greater when
assessed without vs. with rollator in the total group and hip fracture (except
cadence, POMA) and other patients (except base-of-support, double-support). Tests
without rollator showed superior responsiveness (except TUG). CONCLUSION: The use
of rollator walking aids limits the detection of initial gait and mobility
deficits, adversely affects the assessment of changes over time in gait and
mobility performance, and reduces the responsiveness of tests. When full
weight-bearing is permitted, assessment without a walking aid is recommended.

Langue : ANGLAIS