INTRODUCTION The rollator is a commonly used walking-aid in elderly and in disabled subjects. The purpose of using the rollator is to improve the walking performance and minimize the risk of falling. Studies have shown that the walking performance in elderly subjects measured as distance, cadence and velocity is improved when they walk with a rollator [1]. However, knowledge about the specific ...

Accelerometry has been recognized as a method of objectively measuring community ambulation in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the assumption that walking itself serves as a major contributor to the accelerometer signal has yet to be tested. This study examined the assumption that community-based walking is a primary contributor to accelerometer output in MS. Ambulatory persons (...

BACKGROUND Measurements of Energy Expenditure (EE) at rest (REE) and during physical activities are increasing in interest in chronic patients. In this study we aimed at evaluating the validity/reliability of the SenseWear®Armband (SWA) device in terms of REE and EE during assisted walking in Chronic Respiratory Failure (CRF) patients receiving long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). METHODOLOGY/PRI...

BACKGROUND This study was designed to quantify the probability of recovery of mobility in admission nonwalking stroke survivors. METHODS We evaluated 437 of 500 consecutive patients admitted for sequelae of first ischemic stroke within the first month. We performed several logistic regressions using mobility status at discharge (independence in stair climbing; walking outside and inside, with...

Multi-segment foot kinematics were compared between idiopathic toe walkers (ITW) and typically developing children (TD) during toe walking and also compared to children with mild diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) who toe walked. Where possible, heel-toe walking was also compared between ITW and TD children. Significant differences were found between the ITW and TD groups during both toe walking and ...

The Lic Femurett adjustable training prosthesis was evaluated on 51 above-knee amputees attending the Oxford Disablement Services Centre. In the elderly it proved superior to the Pneumatic Post-Amputation Mobility Aid (P.P.A.M.-Aid) in the assessment of their ability to use a prosthesis, and is useful for walking training once the stump is fully healed; it does not replace the P.P.A.M-Aid at th...

BACKGROUND Gait changes at older ages are a strong predictor of a decline in lower extremity functions. However, large population-based studies assessing gait parameters in various gait tasks are lacking. OBJECTIVE We investigated the relationship of age, the use of mobility aids and being fitted with an endoprosthesis with selected gait parameters, assessed in different walking tasks. METH...