Development of a biomechanics-informed walking frame and user guidance
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a biomechanics-informed walking frame and user guidance materials.
IRAS ID
294622
Contact name
Sibylle B Thies
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Salford
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
In older people, injuries resulting from falls are a major and growing health problem. Walking frames are designed to offer support during walking, reducing the likelihood of falling. Surprisingly, and for reasons unknown, it has been shown that people who have such walking aids are more likely to fall than people who do not (Deandrea et al. 2010). We believe that for a walking frame to play a role in preventing a fall, it first and foremost must be used in a stable manner. Incorrect use, bad design, or a combination of both may limit their usefulness. This project aims to conduct biomechanical studies to inform design of a new, evidence-informed walking frame and user guidance materials. The research is of key relevance to the NHS as the costs of falls to the NHS are in excess of £2 billion per year. The importance must further be judged in the context of our ageing population and an increase in users of walking aids over time. The long-term anticipated impact of the proposed work is to increase the benefits presently received from walking aids in terms of fall prevention.
Lay summary of study results: This study aimed to assess the merit of new design features of an indoor walking frame in comparison to a traditional 2-wheeled Zimmer frame. Due to the vulnerability of the test population (frail, older walking frame users) Covid greatly affected a successful start of the research: we were not able to recruit patients to come for biomechanics assessments to our gait lab as originally planned and detailed in the original Ethics submission in 2021. We did, however, manage to interview 2 healthcare professionals on their views of the new frame design which was positive. The research then gained momentum through Amendment MA05 submitted on 20th of May 2022, (and subsequent Amendments MA06 and MA07): we were then able to successfully collaborate with the Royal Devon University Healthcare NSH Foundation Trust: 10 healthcare professionals (HCPs) from the Trust tried the new design features with 10 inpatients and 8 outpatients, and then filled in the QUEST questionnaire regarding their satisfaction with the new design (as compared to a standard front-wheeled Zimmer frame) in terms of aspects such as safety and usability. They reported the new design as safe in 100% assessments (18/18), with 17/18 stating they would have prescribed it immediately if available. Importantly, HCP's satisfaction was greater for the new design as compared to the standard wheeled Zimmer frame regarding dimensions, safety and security, ease of use, and effectiveness. These findings support our argument that the indoor wheeled Zimmer frame would benefit from innovative design, for better & safer mobility.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0221
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion