Ulrich Lindemann1,2, Michael Schwenk3,4, Jochen Klenk3,4,5, Max Kessler6, Michael Weyrich4,6, Franziska Kurz3, Clemens Becker3,4. 1. Department of Geriatrics and Clinic for Geriatric Rehabilitation, Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Auerbachstr. 110, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany. ulrich.lindemann@rbk.de. 2. University Stuttgart Research Initiative Human Factors in Ageing, Technology and Environment, Stuttgart, Germany. ulrich.lindemann@rbk.de. 3. Department of Geriatrics and Clinic for Geriatric Rehabilitation, Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Auerbachstr. 110, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany. 4. University Stuttgart Research Initiative Human Factors in Ageing, Technology and Environment, Stuttgart, Germany. 5. Institute of Epidemiology, Ulm University, Helmholzstr. 22, 89081, Ulm, Germany. 6. Institute for Automation and Software Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 47, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Wheeled walkers (WWs) are used to improve mobility and for fall prevention in older persons, but not all users are satisfied with the usability of WWs. Intelligent WWs are being developed to improve the usability. AIMS: The aim of this study was to support the development of intelligent WWs by investigating possible problems of using a WW. METHODS: This study investigated 22 geriatric in-patients (median age 82 years) with and without their WW while opening a door against the direction of walking and passing through. Other possible problems when using WWs were identified by interview. RESULTS: Walking through the door was faster without than with using the WW (8.71 versus 12.86 s, p < 0.001), while interference between door and WW was documented in 41 of 44 (93 %) cases. Backward walking performance was better when using a WW with regard to gait speed, step width and walk ratio (all p < 0.002). Most referred problems when using a WW were walking downhill (83 %) and uphill (77 %) and obstacle crossing in general (77 %). CONCLUSIONS: Problems with opening a door against the direction of walking and the optimization of downhill and uphill walking as well as obstacle crossing should be regarded when developing an intelligent WW.
BACKGROUND: Wheeled walkers (WWs) are used to improve mobility and for fall prevention in older persons, but not all users are satisfied with the usability of WWs. Intelligent WWs are being developed to improve the usability. AIMS: The aim of this study was to support the development of intelligent WWs by investigating possible problems of using a WW. METHODS: This study investigated 22 geriatric in-patients (median age 82 years) with and without their WW while opening a door against the direction of walking and passing through. Other possible problems when using WWs were identified by interview. RESULTS: Walking through the door was faster without than with using the WW (8.71 versus 12.86 s, p < 0.001), while interference between door and WW was documented in 41 of 44 (93 %) cases. Backward walking performance was better when using a WW with regard to gait speed, step width and walk ratio (all p < 0.002). Most referred problems when using a WW were walking downhill (83 %) and uphill (77 %) and obstacle crossing in general (77 %). CONCLUSIONS: Problems with opening a door against the direction of walking and the optimization of downhill and uphill walking as well as obstacle crossing should be regarded when developing an intelligent WW.
Authors: Ulrich Lindemann; Michael Schwenk; Syn Schmitt; Michael Weyrich; Wolfgang Schlicht; Clemens Becker Journal: Z Gerontol Geriatr Date: 2016-11-22 Impact factor: 1.281
Authors: Stephane Lopes; Lúcia Filipe; Rosana Silva; Arménio Cruz; Pedro Parreira; Filipa Couto; Rafael Bernardes; João Apóstolo; Luís Roseiro; Cândida Malça Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-05-14 Impact factor: 3.390