None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study will determine: (i) to what extent people with COPD choose to use a wheeled walker in day-to-day life; (ii) whether providing a wheeled walker for use in their home and community increases their level of daily physical activity and; (iii) whether use of a wheeled walker improves quality of life or increases an individual’s confidence to walk (i.e. they feel less fearful of falling). A total of 30 patients with COPD will participate in the study. On the completion of a pulmonary rehabilitation program, people with COPD that are considered appropriate for a wheeled walker will complete two consecutive four week “periods”. During one of these periods, but not the other, they will have a wheeled walker provided for use during daily life. Measurements of wheeled walker usage, daily physical activity, quality of life and fear of falling will be collected on completion of each four-week period and compared in order to determine the effect of a wheeled walker on these outcomes.
Interventions
On completion of a pulmonary rehabilitation program, participants will be randomised to either Group 1 or 2 using a computer-generated random number sequence. Following randomisation, a Research Assistant will visit the homes of all participants. Those participants randomised to Group 1 will receive a wheeled walker during the first home visit and a Research Assistant will provide standardised instructions regarding its use and encourage daily ambulation with the device. Those participants rando
On completion of a pulmonary rehabilitation program, participants will be randomised to either Group 1 or 2 using a computer-generated random number sequence. Following randomisation, a Research Assistant will visit the homes of all participants. Those participants randomised to Group 1 will receive a wheeled walker during the first home visit and a Research Assistant will provide standardised instructions regarding its use and encourage daily ambulation with the device. Those participants randomised to Group 2 will receive encouragement regarding daily ambulation, but no wheeled walker. Four weeks after the first home visit, participants will be provided with two devices that measure physical activity and instructed to wear the devices for 5 days. At the end of these 5 days, a Research Assistant will perform a second home visit to collect the devices and other outcome measures. Those participants randomised Group 1 will have their wheeled walker removed and those participants randomised Group 2 will have a wheeled walker issued and be provided with standardised instructions regarding its use. During this home visit, all participants will receive the same encouragement from a Research Assistant to perform daily ambulation. Four weeks later, participants will again be provided with the devices that measure physical activity and instructed to wear them for 5 days. At the end of this 5 day period, a Research Assistant will perform a third and final home visit to collect the devices and other outcome measures. The four week period of time without the wheeled walker represents the 'wash-out' period.
Sponsors
Dr. Sue Jenkins
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
0 to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Diagnosis of COPD Six-minute walk distance < 450 m prior to pulmonary rehabilitation Deemed approp for a wheeled walker by a physiotherapist
Exclusion criteria
use of a wheeled walker for more than 2 weeks prior to commencing pulmonary rehabilitation any co-morbid condition that limits mobility
Outcome results
None listed