Rollator use and functional outcome of geriatric rehabilitation

Abstract

Abstract-In a quasi-experimental pre-and postdesign, we examined the effect of rollator use on functional rehabilitation outcome in geriatric patients. From a sample of 458 geriatric inpatients, we matched 30 subjects who were not using assistive devices in their everyday lives but received a wheeled walker at the time of hospital admission (first-time user group) according to their admission scores on three motor performance tests (Timed Up-and-Go, Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand, and Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment-Balance) with 30 patients who were actively using rollators as their primary walking aid for at least 3 months (long-term user group) and 30 control subjects without walking-aid assistance. Measurements were repeated after the inpatient rehabilitation regimen. The Kruskal-Wallis test did not reveal significant group differences in rehabilitation progress. Controls and device users, regardless of walking-aid experience, demonstrated nearly comparable mobility, strength, and balance improvements. More than half of each cohort (controls, n = 22; first-time, n = 17; long-term, n = 18) achieved functional gains in all three motor tests. The study showed that rollator assistance does not interfere with rehabilitation outcome and, to some extent, legitimates the prescription of assistive devices to improve confidence and restore or maintain motor ability at the highest possible level.

Walking with a four wheeled walker (rollator) significantly reduces EMG lower-limb muscle activity in healthy subjects

“…The specific aims of rollator use vary depending on the patient diagnosis. For example, in the elderly or patients with neurological disease such as multiple sclerosis, rollators are used to increase walking endurance and muscle strength or to improve balance (Chee et al, 2013;Vogt et al, 2010;Braun et al, 2014). Following surgery, reduced weight bearing or pain may be treatment goals (Smith et al, 2012), whereas in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease improvement of functional exercise capacity and reduction of dyspnoea can be the objectives (Gupta et al, 2006).…”

Smart walker solutions for physical rehabilitation

“…General use during rehabilitation proves to improve confidence and restore or maintain motor ability at the highest possible level. A study in [13] showed that walker assistance does not interfere with rehabilitation outcome and in some cases may decrease the rehabilitation period. The study was based on subjective observations of walker users.…”

Evaluation of gait performance of knee osteoarthritis patients after total knee arthroplasty with different assistive devices

“…Studies about rollators revealed that these devices are safe and stable, providing an increase in confidence, as well as an improvement in balance and mobility (Kegelmeyer et al, 2013;Liu, 2009;Vogt et al, 2010). This AD also causes a lower variability in gait and it is easy to use (Kloos et al, 2012;Vogt et al, 2010;Wellmon et al, 2006).…”

“…This AD also causes a lower variability in gait and it is easy to use (Kloos et al, 2012;Vogt et al, 2010;Wellmon et al, 2006). On the other hand, there are Volume 31, Number 3, p. 208-217, 2015 several authors indicating that this AD causes changes in posture and, an increased risk of fall (Kegelmeyer et al, 2013;Liu et al, 2009;Vogt et al, 2010). However, on this study forearm supports were added to the device in order to give more stability to the gait, better posture and increased support (Ishikura, 2001;Martins et al, 2013;Youdas et al, 2005).…”