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Objective measures of rollator user stability and device loading during different walking scenarios
Eleonora Costamagna1, Sibylle B Thies1, Laurence P J Kenney1
1Centre for Health Sciences Research, School of Health & Society, Salford University, Salford, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|January 31, 2019
Summary
Rollator use by older adults can increase fall risk. This study developed a method to assess user stability, finding that complex tasks and specific strategies impact stability. Personalized training can improve safety for walking aid users.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Geriatric Medicine
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Walking aids are essential for older adults but are linked to increased fall risk.
- Clinicians lack objective methods to assess the stability of walking aid users.
- Understanding factors affecting stability is crucial for fall prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel methodology for assessing rollator user stability.
- To investigate the influence of walking task type, device loading, and performance strategy on stability.
- To provide objective data for personalized user training and safety.
Main Methods:
- Ten older adults used an instrumented rollator across six different walking tasks.
- Calculated combined stability margin (SM) considering the user and rollator as a system.
- Employed Friedman Test and regression modeling to analyze task, loading, and strategy effects on SM.
Main Results:
- Minimum stability margin (SM) was higher for straight-line walking than complex tasks (p<0.05).
- Increased device loading correlated with increased SM (p<0.05).
- Stepping up kerbs with wheels maintaining ground contact yielded higher SM than lifting all wheels.
Conclusions:
- Rollator training should encompass diverse, everyday tasks, not just straight-line walking.
- Stability margin (SM) can guide personalized training by identifying challenging tasks and effective strategies.
- This research offers a method to enhance safety and reduce fall-related injuries in the growing population of walking aid users.
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