The short-term effect of a rollator on functional exercise capacity among individuals with severe COPD.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to examine the short-term effects of using a rollator on functional exercise capacity among individuals with COPD and to characterize which individuals benefit most from its use.


METHODS
Repeated-measures randomized crossover design using the 6-min walk test (6MWT) as the primary outcome measure.


METHODS
Respiratory rehabilitation center.


METHODS
Forty stable subjects who had received a diagnosis of COPD.


METHODS
Two 6MWTs were performed on each study day. One 6MWT was performed unaided, and the other was performed with a rollator. The order was randomized on the first day and reversed on the second day.


RESULTS
Use of the rollator was associated with a significant reduction in dyspnea (p < 0.001) and duration of rest (reduction for the total group, 19 s; and reduction for those who walked < 300 m unaided, 40 s; p = 0.001) during the 6MWT. For subjects who walked < 300 m unaided, there was also a significant improvement in distance walked (p = 0.02). No changes were found for the measures of cardiorespiratory function or gait (p > 0.05). The requirement to rest during an unaided 6MWT was a significant predictor of improved functional exercise capacity with the use of the rollator (p < 0.005). The majority of subjects whose unaided 6MWT distance was < 300 m preferred using the rollator to walking unaided.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of a rollator was effective in improving functional exercise capacity by reducing dyspnea and rest duration among stable individuals with severe COPD. Individuals who walked < 300 m and individuals who required a rest during an unaided 6MWT benefited the most from using a rollator in terms of reduced dyspnea, reduced rest time, and improved distance walked.
Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. s.solway@utoronto.ca
Sherra
S
Solway
Dina
D
Brooks
Louis
L
Lau
Roger
R
Goldstein
D000368:Aged; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014853:Walkers; D016138:Walking