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The association of cognitive screen scores and previous power mobility device experience on the power-mobility indoor
Richelle Louise Gray1, Catherine Cooper Hay2, Noralyn Davel Pickens2
1Department of Human Performance, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.
Background:
Older adults in care settings may use power mobility devices (PMDs) to facilitate independent mobility and engage in occupations. The relationship between previous PMD driving experience and cognitive impairment is not well understood.
Purpose:
This study examined how cognitive status and previous PMD experience affect the ability to operate PMDs safely and independently.
Method:
A total of 33 participants completed the Power-mobility Indoor Driving Assessment (PIDA) and Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS). Correlational statistics were used to analyse the data.
Findings:
A Spearman's rho correlation coefficient for the cognitive impairment group (n = 29) revealed a weak, yet significant, positive correlation between the PIDA score and the SLUMS score (rs = .40, p = .03). Among those with cognitive impairment, persons with more previous PMD experience (n = 14) demonstrated significantly better PIDA overall scores, t(21.96) = -2.25, p = .035. There was a significant relationship between previous PMD experience and driving ability (rs = .429, p = .02).
Conclusion:
Results support the need to continue to provide intervention and support tailored for individuals with cognitive impairment to use a PMD safely in facilities. Clinicians should consider cognitive impairment and previous PMD experience when evaluating PMD users.
