Abstract
COPD patients often experience walking as a problematic daily activity. Although a rollator can improve mobility, many patients feel ashamed to use it. Therefore, other walking aids may be worthwhile to consider. We aimed to determine whether a new walking aid (fig1a) has similar direct effects on 6MWD as a rollator (fig1b) in COPD patients.
21 COPD patients (52% men; age: 64±10yrs; FEV1: 42±15% pred) performed 2 6MWTs during pre-rehabilitation assessment (mean best 6MWD: 369±88 m). In addition, 2 extra 6MWTs were randomly performed on 2 consecutive days: 1x with rollator and 1x with walking frame. Walking pattern (n=21) was determined using an accelerometer and metabolic demands (n=10) were assessed using a mobile oxycon.
Using walking frame resulted in a higher mean 6MWD (466±189 vs. 383±85 m) and fewer steps (491±122 vs. 601±98) compared to a rollator (all p<0.05). Oxygen uptake, ventilation, heart rate, oxygen saturation and Borg symptom scores were comparable. 19% felt ashamed using rollator compared to 10% using walking frame.
Functional exercise performance can be improved using walking aids in COPD patients. Moreover, using walking frame led to a significant improvement in 6MWD compared to using rollator, with the same metabolic demands. Therefore, the new walking aid may be a good alternative for a rollator in COPD patients.
This study was financially supported by “Stichting De Weijerhorst”.
- © 2011 ERS