Use of three types of walkers: impact on the functional performance profile of institutionalized older adults

Abstract

Background: Aging is associated with acute and chronic problems that interfere with older adults' mobility and independence. There are several types of walkers available in the market with different functional performance profiles of older people which aim to compensate for physical limitations and prevent falls. Objective: To compare the functional performance profile of institutionalized older adults taking into account the total time, gait speed, heart rate variability, and energy cost during the Expanded Timed Get-up-and-Go test using three types of walkers: fixed, two-wheeled, and four-wheeled walkers. Methodology: One-group pretest and posttest quasi-experimental study in a convenience sample of 40 institutionalized older people. Results: Significant differences were found in the total time (X 2 = 15.65; p < 0.001) and gait speed (X 2 = 15.80, p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is no unique ideal solution among the types of walkers analyzed in this study, thus a tailored solution is desirable to meet institutionalized older adults' characteristics and specific needs.