Effect of Preoperative Mobility Device Training on Postoperative Fall Incidence
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether preoperative mobility device training is beneficial in reducing incidence of postoperative falls in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery requiring a postoperative period of no weight-bearing.
Description
Most of the surgeries involving the foot and ankle require non-weight bearing status post operatively. Patients use crutches, walker or knee scooters during that period to avoid weight bearing. However, using any mobility device(s) requires training to avoid falls. Most of the falls happen during early post-operative period after any surgery. The usage of assistive mobility device(s) increases the risk of falls. Some studies have shown physical therapy and training to decrease this risk of falls. Physical training for usage of assistive devices can be done either preoperatively or post operati…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * age 18 and older * undergoing elective unilateral foot/ankle surgery * requiring a period of post-operative non-weight-bearing or partial-weight-bearing period as advised by the operating surgeon. Exclusion Criteria: * less than 18 years of age * wheelchair-bound patients * patients with history of previous use of post-operative mobility device(s) * patients with ankle fractures, patients with previously diagnosed condition(s) with cognitive, balance, mobility impairment * patients undergoing bilateral surgery * patients requiring follow ups longer than 6 weeks
Interventions
- OtherPreoperative mobility device(s) training
Patients in Group 1 (the intervention, that is the mobility device training group group) will receive training on the mobility device(s) with the physical therapy visit during their standard pre-operative care.
Location
- UAB Hospital HighlandsBirmingham, Alabama