Citation

Auger C, Demers L, Gelinas I, Miller WC, Jutai JW, Noreau L. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2010; 91(5): 765-773.

Affiliation

School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada. claudine.auger@umontreal.ca

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2010.01.018

PMID

20434615

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the impact of power mobility devices (PMDs) varies as a function of stage of usage and to explore key factors associated with greater life-space mobility for middle-aged and older adults. DESIGN: Multicohort study with respondents grouped as a function of stage of PMD usage (reference group with mobility impairments, n=42; initial users, 1-6mo, n=35; long-term users, 12-18mo, n=39). Cohorts were compared with respect to life-space mobility in a continuum of environments ranging from home to outside town, using analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Baseline personal, assistive device, intervention, and environmental factors associated with life-space mobility were explored with age-adjusted linear regression models. SETTING: Four Canadian rehabilitation centers. PARTICIPANTS: Random sample of middle-aged and older adults (N=116; 50-89y) living in the community or residential care. INTERVENTION: Procurement of a powered wheelchair or scooter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Life-Space Assessment composite score. RESULTS: Cohort comparisons showed higher frequency of outings for PMD users in the neighborhood (P<.001) and around home (P<.05) and significantly greater Life-Space Assessment composite scores for initial and long-term users than for the reference group (P<.05). Factors such as sex, the nature of activities, and device type explained variances in Life-Space Assessment composite score ranging from 15.9% to 18.0% (P<.006). CONCLUSIONS: Life-space mobility increases after PMD use and remains stable across the stages of initial and long-term use. To appreciate the impact of PMDs, clinicians should consider the environment and a combination of personal and device factors that are associated with the range of life-space mobility in the first 18 months after procurement.

Language: en