The effects of a positional feedback device on rollator walker use: a validation study.

BACKGROUND

According to clinical guidelines, rolling walker users should walk with their feet between the posterior wheels of the walker; however approximately 50% of users do not.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the development and effects of a custom device designed to attach to a walker and provide visual feedback to encourage improved user position.

METHODS

Fourteen older adults participated in this study to validate the effects of this device when a 10% decrease in the users' habitual distance away from the walker was encouraged via feedback. Users' relative distances were recorded using a non-contact distance sensor within the device, while kinematics were measured using commercial wearable wireless inertial sensors.

RESULTS

Individuals were able to ambulate on average 20% closer or more to their walker when prescribed the visual feedback. This was primarily achieved through a reduction in shoulder flexion. Trunk and cervical postures were less generalizable as only small and variable changes were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the device has promise, as individuals attended to the device and walked in a position closer to that recommended by clinical guidelines. The device did not appear to improve posture. Future work is needed to determine long-term effects.