Evaluation of a moulded handle walking aid for older people with non-arthritic hands

Abstract

This study aims to assesses whether the use of an ergonomic moulded handle stick can have a holistic effect on the health and lifestyle of an older person with non-arthritic hands. Moulded handles are ergonomically designed for comfort and allow the pressure to be spread evenly across the palm of the hand. The authors also aim to provide evidence for issuing or not issuing a moulded handle stick, rather than a conventional stick, for those therapists who wish to take a patient-centred approach and move away from the traditional practice of prescribing a walking aid solely based on the patient's physical ondition. A convenience sample of six volunteers was used, all conventional stick users of more than 3 months (mean age 81 years). Participants were individually taught how to use their new moulded handle stick. The evaluation period was approximately 2 weeks, after which recorded face-to-face individual semi-structured interviews took place. Analysis from the interview transcripts revealed a core variable of self-efficacy, with significant improvement in confidence and a reduced fear of falling during ambulation. This study provides evidence to suggest there are holistic health benefits, associated with increased self-efficacy during mobility, in issuing moulded handle sticks to older patients with non-arthritic hands. Further research of a quantitative nature is needed to infer statistical significance.