Predicting the Discontinued Use of Locomotion Assistive Technology Devices: The Role of Rehabilitation Diagnosis, Device Type, and Unassisted Locomotion Status  

Marcus J. Fuhrer, PhD, Jeffrey W. Jutai, PhD, Marcia Scherer, PhD, Louise Demers, PhD, Frank DeRuyter, PhD

ABSTRACT

One hundred and forty one individuals who had been hospitalized with one of three rehabilitation diagnoses (neurologic, orthopedic, or complex medical) received assistive technology devices (ATDs) to facilitate locomotion. They were interviewed following discharge and approximately 6-months later as part of the Locomotion Device Outcomes Study (LDOS). At follow-up, 80 participants (56.7% of the sample) were no longer using the ATD that had been their primary locomotion device following discharge. Differences among device types (crutches, cane, walker, and wheelchair) and changes in individuals' unassisted locomotion status predicted discontinued use at follow-up, and diagnosis tended to do so.

Keywords:

assistive technology devices, outcomes, locomotion

Authors' Contact Information

Marcus J. Fuhrer, Ph.D.
7508 Broadcloth Way
Columbia, MD, 21046
office phone (410) 381-7408
email: fuhrerm@mail.nih.gov .