Tuijtelaars J, Brehm MA, Twisk JWR, Nollet F. Two-year course of walking adaptability in persons living with late effects of polio.
J Rehabil Med 2024;
56:jrm14727. [PMID:
38497608 DOI:
10.2340/jrm.v56.14727]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the 2-year course of walking adaptability in persons with late effects of polio.
DESIGN
Prospective cohort study.
PATIENTS
A total of 48 persons with late effects of polio (69% female, mean age 63.1 years) with a fall history and/or fear of falling.
METHODS
Walking adaptability (i.e. variable target-stepping and reactive obstacle-avoidance) was assessed on an interactive treadmill at baseline, 1 year and 2 years. Further, leg-muscle strength and balance were assessed at baseline. The course of walking adaptability was analysed with linear mixed models. Based on median values, subgroups were defined for low vs high baseline walking-adaptability and for clinical characteristics. Tme by subgroup interactions were analysed.
RESULTS
Variable target-stepping and reactive obstacle-avoidance did not change (p > 0.285). Reactive obstacle-avoidance improved for persons with a high balance score at baseline (p = 0.037), but not for those with lower scores (p = 0.531). No other time by subgroup interactions were found (p > 0.126).
CONCLUSION
Walking adaptability did not change in persons with late effects of polio over 2 years, and walking adaptability course did not differ between subgroups stratified for walking adaptability determinants, except for balance. Since falls are a major problem among persons with late effects of polio, future studies should investigate whether walking adaptability declines over a longer time and which persons are most at risk.
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