A new possibility to assess the perioperative walking capacity using a global positioning system in neurosurgical spine patients: a feasibility study

Abstract

In this feasibility study, we demonstrated that this tool is able to measure the perioperative mobility and walking-capability. The certainty of data is dependent on the patients' compliance. The measuring method is used as a low cost, easily accessible, and easy-to-use technique, which seems to be superior to common methods like a treadmill-tests or walking tests. Nevertheless, these results are still to prove in upcoming analysis.

Normative data of a smartphone app–based 6-minute walking test, test-retest reliability, and content validity with patient-reported outcome measures

“…First, the use of objective outcome measures is on the increase in both clinical application and research. 2,3,12,[26][27][28] Second, patients consistently prefer physical tests over questionnairebased evaluations, particularly if repeated assessments are required. 29 Third, self-measurements are possible in the patient's home environment, thereby empowering patients to monitor their own outcomes and be active partners in healthcare.…”

Using global positioning systems to study health-related mobility and participation

“…They found that individuals without cognitive impairment had a significantly higher number of destinations per day than individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Bostelmann et al (2015) used GPS-enabled phones to measure total distance walked, average walking speed, and the total walking duration per day of four neurosurgical spine patients in Germany a week before and three months after they had surgery. They reported increases in these areas post-surgery in three out of the four patients.…”

Changes in dural sac caliber with standing MRI improve correlation with symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis

“…One of the limitations of this study was two incongruent measuring methods, GPS tracking device and self-estimated distance, for patients' walking distance. GPS tracking is an objective real-time method [30,31]; however, its use was limited by geographical location and participants' compliance. Some long distance walkers ([800 m) lost their GPS indoor tracks and some severe symptomatic patients (\200 m) stopped walking before achieving any GPS measurable outdoor tracks.…”

“…Following completion of the study questionnaire, patients were asked to perform the Self-Paced Walking Test (SPWT) [29] which evaluates walking capacity based on the definition of the distance, in meter (m); a person is able to walk without support on a level surface at a selfselected speed before being forced to stop due to neurologic claudication. It was measured by either using a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device (Nikeplus Running Apps) of a mobile phone [30,31] in 34 patients or a self-estimated distance [32,33] reported by 36 patients.…”