Functional ability in elderly who walked with and without a walking device

Abstract

A walking device is likely used to compensate for the impairments of the musculoskeletal system, balance control and walking ability of elderly. However, the impairments are mostly reported through the methods of interview and observation. The application of the functional performance test relating to the requirements of a walking device would provide useful information to improve functional ability of the elderly. Thus, this study compared functional ability of 30 elderly who walked with and without a walking device (15 subjects/group) using the functional tests relating to the impairments of using a walking device, including the Timed Up and Go Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, 10-Meter Walk Test and 6 Minute-Walk Test (6MinWT). The results demonstrated that subjects who walked with a walking device had lower functional ability than those who did not use a walking device. However, the significant differences between the groups were found only in the data of the 6MinWT. This may be due to the subjects had only slight impairments because every subjects who walked with a walking device used a cane, and only when they walked at a long distance. Thus, in such elderly, the improvement of functional endurance may help to minimize the requirement of a walking device.