The effect of walking sticks on balance in geriatric subjects

Abstract

[Purpose] Guidelines and clarity regarding the information for deciding the need for walking sticks and the suitability of these sticks is insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of walking stick and its effects on the balance in the elderly. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 39 elderly subjects aged between 65–95 years (mean age, 76.15 ± 8.35 years) and living in the Residential Aged Care and Rehabilitation Center were included. Sociodemographic data of the individuals, the material of the walking stick, who made the decision of usage and length of walking sticks were questioned. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores were used to evaluate balance. [Results] Subjects’ BBS scores while using the walking stick were higher than that without the walking stick. A significant difference was observed in BBS scores obtained with the stick and without the stick, according to body mass index parameters. Majority of the subjects also started to use walking sticks by themselves. No significant difference was observed between the ideal length and actual length of the walking stick was used. [Conclusion] Our study demonstrated that the elderly generally decide to use walking stick by themselves and chose the appropriate materials; which improves their balance.

Cane Use in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

“…Comparison of using cane length and ideal cane length p = 0.79 z = -0.255 Correlation between duration of the disease and using a cane Rho = 0.49 P = 0.147 they chose the appropriate materials, which improved their balance [1,4,6,13]. The patients in the present study decided on their own accord to use a cane just like the healthy elderly people in the Dogru et al study [13].…”

“…The patients in the present study decided on their own accord to use a cane just like the healthy elderly people in the Dogru et al study [13].…”

Evaluating the Implementation of Fall Risk Management Practices within Home-delivered Meal Organizations

“…Studies indicate the dangers of incorrect use of a mobility device with an increased risk for those who had not been professionally educated (Renfro & Fehrer, 2011;Sheehan & Millicheap, 2008). On the contrary, in a small study of Turkish older adults, 80% of the study sample who selected a walking stick without professional advice demonstrated improved balance after recognizing their own needs and independently selecting a mobility device (Dogru et al, 2016). Given the inconsistencies and general gaps in knowledge in the literature, more research to investigate the associations between presence/ absence of mobility device training and fall risk is needed, and our findings relative to the use of mobility devices should be interpreted with caution.…”

Proposed Kitchen Design for Complying Elderly Needs

“…Create a storage space to easily put away walking sticks while the elderly are using the sink or cooking (F). A lot of elderly people experience a decrease in their ability to maintain balance while standing, which is usually managed by using walking aids such as canes or crutches (Dogru et. al., 2016).…”