Life-space mobility of middle-aged and older adults at various stages of usage of power mobility devices.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether the impact of power mobility devices (PMDs) varies as a function of stage of usage and to explore key factors associated with greater life-space mobility for middle-aged and older adults.


METHODS
Multicohort study with respondents grouped as a function of stage of PMD usage (reference group with mobility impairments, n=42; initial users, 1-6mo, n=35; long-term users, 12-18mo, n=39). Cohorts were compared with respect to life-space mobility in a continuum of environments ranging from home to outside town, using analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Baseline personal, assistive device, intervention, and environmental factors associated with life-space mobility were explored with age-adjusted linear regression models.


METHODS
Four Canadian rehabilitation centers.


METHODS
Random sample of middle-aged and older adults (N=116; 50-89y) living in the community or residential care.


METHODS
Procurement of a powered wheelchair or scooter.


METHODS
Life-Space Assessment composite score.


RESULTS
Cohort comparisons showed higher frequency of outings for PMD users in the neighborhood (P<.001) and around home (P<.05) and significantly greater Life-Space Assessment composite scores for initial and long-term users than for the reference group (P<.05). Factors such as sex, the nature of activities, and device type explained variances in Life-Space Assessment composite score ranging from 15.9% to 18.0% (P<.006).


CONCLUSIONS
Life-space mobility increases after PMD use and remains stable across the stages of initial and long-term use. To appreciate the impact of PMDs, clinicians should consider the environment and a combination of personal and device factors that are associated with the range of life-space mobility in the first 18 months after procurement.
Auger
Claudine
C
School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada. claudine.auger@umontreal.ca <claudine.auger@umontreal.ca>
Demers
Louise
L
Gélinas
Isabelle
I
Miller
William C
WC
Jutai
Jeffrey W
JW
Noreau
Luc
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001107:Architectural Accessibility; D015331:Cohort Studies; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014910:Wheelchairs