The Feasibility and Usability of a Novel Tool for Learning and Reviewing Walking Aid Skills: A Multi-Method Study

O'Brien, Maureen Megan

The Feasibility and Usability of a Novel Tool for Learning and Reviewing Walking Aid Skills: A Multi-Method Study

dc.contributor.advisor	Manocha, Ranita
dc.contributor.advisor	Barnabe, Cheryl
dc.contributor.author	O'Brien, Maureen Megan
dc.contributor.committeemember	Best, Krista
dc.contributor.committeemember	Holroyd-Leduc, Jayna
dc.date.accessioned	2024-08-26T20:41:15Z
dc.date.available	2024-08-26T20:41:15Z
dc.date.issued	2024-08-23
dc.description.abstract	Background: Walking aids are used by over 1 million Canadians to facilitate independent mobility and enhance balance. However, inadequate training on the use of walking aids may increase the risk of upper body pain and falling. To address this need, a novel interactive video-based mobile application to teach safe walking aid use was developed. Objectives: 1) To assess the feasibility of a trial with the novel application. 2) To explore the preliminary impact of the novel application on balance confidence, balance, mobility, and endurance. 3) To determine whether the novel application is user-friendly and useful for walking aid users. Methods: In a single-arm, pre-post feasibility study design, adult walking aid users completed the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Timed up and Go (TUG) test, and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) at baseline. Participants then used the novel application’s fitting and gait training modules pertaining to their walking aid. A follow-up visit was scheduled 2 weeks later to reinforce app instructions and repeat the ABC, 2MWT, TUG, and BBS. At this time participants also completed the System Usability Scale (SUS), and a semi-structured interview on their app experience. Results: Thirteen walking aid users (mean±SD age 55±15 years; duration of walking aid use 2.7±4.0 years; 7 males) participated. Trial feasibility metrics were attained on 3 out of the 6 indicators. Participants achieved statistically significant small to medium improvements in balance confidence and balance. However, participants did not experience significant improvements in mobility or endurance. The mean±SD SUS score was 88.3±10.5 corresponding to high usability of the novel application. Three major themes emerged from the interviews: perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and motivation for app use. Conclusion: Based on our criteria, a trial with the novel application may be feasible, with some modifications. Preliminary improvements in clinically relevant outcomes including balance confidence and balance were found. Walking aid users found the app to be an easy-to-use platform for learning and maintaining walking aid skills. These findings will help inform a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of the application on clinical outcomes.
dc.identifier.citation	O'Brien, M. M. (2024). The feasibility and usability of a novel tool for learning and reviewing walking aid skills: a multi-method study (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.
dc.identifier.uri	https://hdl.handle.net/1880/119507
dc.language.iso	en
dc.publisher.faculty	Graduate Studies
dc.publisher.institution	University of Calgary
dc.rights	University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.subject	feasibility study
dc.subject	mobile applications
dc.subject	canes
dc.subject	crutches
dc.subject	walkers
dc.subject	gait
dc.subject	balance
dc.subject	mobility limitation
dc.subject	usability
dc.subject.classification	Rehabilitation and Therapy
dc.title	The Feasibility and Usability of a Novel Tool for Learning and Reviewing Walking Aid Skills: A Multi-Method Study
dc.type	master thesis
thesis.degree.discipline	Medicine – Medical Sciences
thesis.degree.grantor	University of Calgary
thesis.degree.name	Master of Science (MSc)
ucalgary.thesis.accesssetbystudent	I do not require a thesis withhold – my thesis will have open access and can be viewed and downloaded publicly as soon as possible.