| Abstract |
Background: One of important healthcare policies is the provision of mobility devices for individuals spinal cord injury (SCI) to promote their independence. However, current reports are involved only ambulatory assistive devices (i.e., standard walker, crutches and cane) in ambulatory patients with incomplete SCI without the investigation for their actual need. Thus, the study surveyed the proportion of individuals with SCI, both wheelchair-bounded (WB) and ambulatory (AM), who occupied mobility devices, their actual need, and a suitable device.
Methods: One hundred and thirty-two individuals with SCI (46 WB subjects, and 86 AM subjects) were interviewed and assessed for the mobility devices that they occupied and actually used for daily living. Moreover, 24 AM subjects were further investigated for their suitable mobility devices for daily walking using data from lower limb support ability while standing and stepping ability.
Results: Forty-three WB subjects (93%) occupied at least 1 mobility device (1-4 types), but they actually used 1-2 mobility devices in daily living. However, 3 WB subjects who did not have any mobility devices were bed-ridden. Sixty-eight AM subjects (79%) occupied 1-5 mobility devices, but actually used only 1-2 devices in daily living. Among 24 AM subjects who assessed for a suitable mobility device, 10 subjects were able to walk with a less support device than the usual one.
Conclusion: The findings suggest the importance of mobility devices on levels of independence of individuals with SCI. However, clinical assessments for their actual need are required to assign a proper device and for efficient annual government statement of expenditure. Thus, the present findings provide important information for the modification of healthcare policy regarding mobility devices for individuals with SCI. |
Publication
Journal Publication
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