Implications of Walking Aid Selection for Nonweightbearing Ambulation on Stance Limb Plantar Force, Walking Speed, Perceived Exertion, and Device Preference in Healthy Adults 50 Years of Age and Older.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Young adults often tolerate the increased energy expenditure, coordination, and stance limb discomfort associated with walking aids for nonweightbearing ambulation. Adults aged ≥50 years may not have the same tolerance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine how walking aid selection affects stance limb plantar force, walking speed, perceived exertion, and device preference in adults aged ≥50 years.

Methods

A prospective randomized crossover study was performed using healthy adults, aged ≥50 years, with no use of walking aids within 5 years. Participants walked 200 m in 4 randomized conditions: single nonweightbearing ambulation using crutches, a walker, a wheeled knee walker, and unaided walking. An in-shoe sensor measured stance limb plantar for

SUBMITTER: Kingston DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8702690 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature