Omana, H, Madou, E, Divine, A et al. (5 more authors) (2021) The differential effect of first time single-point cane use between healthy young and older adults. PM&R, 13 (12). pp. 1399-1409. ISSN 1934-1482
Abstract
Introduction
Walking aids are often introduced to older adults to enable independent mobility. Single‐point canes are the most common device used. Benefits are tempered by research suggesting that walking aids increase falls risk. A better understanding of the effect of walking aid use on gait performance is required.
Objective
To evaluate differences in the effect of initial single‐point cane use on gait between younger (YA) and older adults (OA).
Design
Cross‐sectional.
Setting
Community‐dwelling.
Participants
Twenty‐six YA (aged: 23.7 ± 2.8 years) and 25 OA (aged: 70.8 ± 14.1 years) participated. Inclusion criteria were: age 18‐35 for YA or ≥ 50 for OA, able to ambulate unassisted, and without any condition affecting mobility.
Interventions
Not applicable.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Gait velocity and stride time variability under different walking path configurations (straight path, Groningen Meander Walking Test, Figure of Eight Test) and conditions (unassisted walking, walking with a single‐point cane, and walking with a single‐point cane while completing a cognitive task) was recorded in a laboratory. The arithmetic task of subtracting ones from 100 was used as the secondary cognitive task. Data analysis included separate three‐way mixed ANOVAs (path/condition/group).
Results
There was a statistically significant two‐way interaction between walking path and condition for velocity (P < 0.001, ω2 = 0.03) and stride time variability (P = 0.032, ω2 = 0.02). Additionally, a significant main effect of group was also observed (velocity: P = 0.004, ω2 = 0.07; stride time variability: P = 0.001, ω2 = 0.09).
Conclusions
Using a single‐point cane decreased velocity and increased stride time variability in both younger and older adults. However, the cognitive load and effect on gait of initial cane use was not different between age groups. Standardized guidelines aimed at facilitating a client's transition towards the safe use of a walking aid are needed. Future research should evaluate if training can mitigate some of the adverse changes to gait stability observed with initial walking aid use.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2021 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Omana, H, Madou, E, Divine, A et al. (5 more authors) (2021) The differential effect of first time single-point cane use between healthy young and older adults. PM&R, 13 (12). pp. 1399-1409. ISSN 1934-1482, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.12559. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. |
Keywords: | Aging; Gait; Assistive Devices; Cane; Multitasking Behavior |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Biological Sciences (Leeds) > School of Biomedical Sciences (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 26 Jan 2021 15:47 |
Last Modified: | 19 Jul 2022 10:23 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Wiley |
Identification Number: | 10.1002/pmrj.12559 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:170265 |