Are older people putting themselves at risk when using their walking frames?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Walking aids are prescribed for older adults to prevent falls.
• Paradoxically, incorrect use of walking aids can increase fall risk.
• Adherence to clinical guidance for walking aid use at home is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate adherence to clinical guidance for walking frame use in older adults.
• Quantify user stability during walking frame use.
• Explore user and healthcare professional perspectives on walking aid use and smart walker technology.

Main Methods:

• Observational study involving 17 older adults using instrumented walking frames (Smart Walkers) and pressure-sensing insoles in their homes.
• Video recording captured contextual information.
• Stability was quantified during walking tasks, comparing adherence to and deviation from clinical guidance.

Main Results:

• Incorrect walking aid use was observed in 16% of single support and 29% of dual support periods.
• Incorrect use was linked to environmental factors and specific frame design.
• Reduced stability was associated with incorrect walking aid use.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to current clinical guidance for walking aids is challenging in home environments.
• Self-selected walking strategies often reduce stability, increasing fall risk.
• Guidance requires updates to accommodate environmental factors and promote stable walking patterns.