Article

Hip fractures have a high morbidity and mortality in elderly patients.
Improving mobility outcomes is crucial in order to decrease the burden of this
injury. The objective of this study was to investigate dynamic weight loading in
older people with hip fractures using a new device. Design: In an observational
study, low-energy hip fracture patients were monitored one day per week with the
FeetB@ck system during their admission. Pain, gait and balance scores were noted.
Outcome measures of the FeetB@ck system are steps, walking bouts and loading
rate. Results: A total of 21 patients with hip fracture were included in the
study (mean age 80.3 years (standard deviation 8.3 years)). The number of steps,
walking bouts and loading rate had a positive linear relationship with
rehabilitation (i.e. gait and balance scores) (p < 0.05). These parameters also
differed significantly between patients with short (less than 8 weeks, n = 7),
intermediate (between 8 and 12 weeks, n = 8) and long (longer than 12 weeks, n =
6) of rehabilitation (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The loading rate is a sensitive
weight loading parameter for analysis of dynamic weight loading during
rehabilitation in elderly hip fracture patients. This parameter correlates with
clinical improvement and can differentiate between fast and slow rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS