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Updated: May 24, 2026
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Insights
Over 63,000 children experienced mobility aid accidents from 1991-2008. Wheelchairs and walkers caused most injuries in younger children, while crutches led to sprains in older children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
- Public Health
Background:
- Mobility aids are crucial for individuals with physical impairments.
- Childhood accidents involving mobility aids represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding injury patterns is vital for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of pediatric mobility aid-related emergency department visits.
- To identify high-risk age groups and mobility aid devices.
- To inform targeted injury prevention efforts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a national emergency room database (1991-2008).
- Inclusion of over 63,000 pediatric cases involving mobility aids.
- Categorization of injuries by age, device, location, and outcome.
Main Results:
- 4.4% of children were hospitalized; 60% of accidents occurred at home.
- Wheelchairs (67%) were most common, followed by crutches and walkers.
- Younger children (under 10) sustained head injuries from walkers/wheelchairs; older children had lower-limb sprains from crutches.
Conclusions:
- Accidents involving pediatric mobility aid users are frequent, with a notable hospitalization rate.
- Specific devices (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches) are associated with distinct injury patterns in different age groups.
- Education on safe usage and supervision is recommended to mitigate risks.
Abstract:
During the period 1991-2008, more than 63 000 children were examined in US emergency rooms following an accident related to a mobility aid: 40% of the children were less than 10 years old; 60% of the accidents occurred at home; and 4.4% of the children were hospitalised. Wheelchairs were the devices most often involved (67%), followed by crutches and walkers. Most accidents involving children under 10 years old were linked to a walker or wheelchair, and mainly resulted in head injuries. Most of the accidents in older children involved crutches and caused lower-limb sprains. In practice, the correct use of mobility aids should be explained to parents and children, and information given about the circumstances most likely to lead to accidents. Children using these devices should be supervised if necessary.
