Most Proposed Topic :
Healthcare Advances, Research and Innovations (new projects / technology)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
HA Young Investigators Session (Projects to be presented by HA staff who had joined HA for less than 15 years)
Authors: (including presenting author): :
Lee JKY, Woo CW, Chan BKS, Chow ESL, To NSC, Leung KKL
Affiliation: :
Physiotherapy Department, Kowloon Hospital
Introduction: :
Among patients with neurological disorders, gait instability and use of walking aids is sometimes inevitable despite intensive rehabilitation. With time, there are innovative designs in walking aids. Simple stick evolved to wide-based stick while traditional bulky quadripod transformed to light-weight carbon fiber small-based quadripod. These "trendy" walking aids provide patients with extra options to traditional ones. Physiotherapists, as experts in aids prescription, are frequently enquired regarding comparisons between the two. Yet, little is understood about their effects on ambulatory performance. Therefore, the current work focuses on safe prescription of walking aids to meet the changing designs and patients' expectations to improve patients' experiences.
Objectives: :
To understand expectations and preferences of patients to “trendy” designed walking aids compared to traditional ones, and to establish objective rationales on walking aids prescription.
Methodology: :
It was not feasible to have all walking aids with various designs to trial. Walking aids more commonly seen in community were tested. Choice of walking aids were based on patients’ ability and preferences. Subjectively, patients could express preferences on walking aids while physiotherapist provided input and explained respective pros and cons for them. Objectively, validated outcome measures including Berg Balance Scale and handgrip strength for hand holding walking aids were assessed for patients’ suitability. 6-Meter Walk Tests were conducted to assess walking speed with various walking aids chosen by patients. Patients’ subjective preferences on chosen walking aids in perceived stability, convenience and satisfaction were evaluated.
Result & Outcome: :
There was no patient incidence reported. Post-prescription survey found satisfactory to good patient satisfaction. Our results showed that there was no one-size-fits-all solution. Although “trendy” designed walking aids may look better and lighter, after trial by patients and as evidenced through clinical outcome measures, they may not always enable patients to walk faster. In contrast, patients commented that traditional walking aids were more stable though heavier. Besides, stick with wide-based offered the convenience of being able to stand on its own and not having to lean on furniture to prevent falling when not in use.
Involving patients in decision-making is likely to increase the chance for them to use the walking aids for safety. Our work emphasizes the importance of role of physiotherapist in safe prescription of walking aids while respecting patients’ preferences.
