[Functional capabilities of users of mobility devices after femoral hip fracture. A comparison study]. / Funktionelle Kompetenzen von Mobilitätshilfsmittelnutzern nach hüftnaher Femurfraktur. Eine Vergleichsstudie.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The present study investigates the functional skills and capabilities of a sample of 105 patients treated at the Lutheran Geriatric Center Berlin after a hip fracture during a period of two years between 2004 and 2006. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Geriatric assessment instruments (Barthel index, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL), Timed Up & Go (TUG), Tinetti, grip strength, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)) were implemented to measure the functional capabilities in this prospective study. The subjects were divided into three groups, characterized by the type of mobility device they used crutches, a four-wheeled walker, or a wheel chair. Furthermore, the data were measured at three test intervals (t(0) baseline before discharge, t(1) 4 weeks after discharge, t(2) 4 months after discharge). RESULTS: The results of the study differ significantly for each of the three groups at the different test intervals (Barthel index, IADL, TUG, Tinetti, grip strength, all p<0.000, ANOVA). The results of our investigation demonstrate a substantial difference in increase, stagnation or deterioration of capabilities for patients in all three groups. However, from t(1) to t(2) only the group using crutches as a mobility device demonstrated the highest increase of their capabilities in this specific areas (Tinetti, grip strength, IADL, TUG, p≤0.05, general linear model). The results of the study differ significantly for each of the three groups at the different test intervals (Barthel index, IADL, TUG, Tinetti, grip strength, all p <0.000, ANOVA). The results of our investigation demonstrate substantial differences in all three groups with respect to increase, stagnation, or deterioration of capabilities. However, from t(1) to t(2) only the group using crutches as a mobility device demonstrated the highest increase of their capabilities in these specific areas (Tinetti, grip strength, IADL, TUG, p≤0.001, general linear model) CONCLUSION: A group-specific approach, based on the mobility devices used, allowed for better differentiation of functional capabilities after femoral hip fracture.