Feasibility of an Interactive Video-Based Training Program for Learning and Reviewing Walking Aid Skills.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of a trial with a novel interactive video-based mobile application to teach safe walking aid use. To explore the preliminary effect of the novel application on balance confidence, balance, mobility, and endurance.

Methods: Single-arm, pre-post feasibility study. Methods: University research laboratory. Methods: Adult walking aid users (N=13). Methods: Participants used the novel application's fitting and gait training modules pertaining to their walking aid on 2 occasions (baseline, 2wks). Methods: Trial feasibility indicators were collected for process (recruitment rate, consent rate, and retention rate), resources (duration of each data collection session), management (participant processing time), and safety. At baseline and at 2 weeks, participants completed the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the timed Up and Go (TUG), and the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT).

Results: Thirteen walking aid users (7 men; mean ± SD age: 55±15y; mean ± SD duration of walking aid use: 2.7±4.0y) participated. Feasibility was attained on 3 of the 6 trial feasibility indicators. Participants achieved statistically significant improvements in balance confidence (ABC; small to medium effect; P<.001) and balance (BBS; small effect; P<.001). Participants did not experience significant changes in mobility (TUG; no effect) or endurance (2MWT; small effect; P=.25).

Conclusions: 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. These findings will help inform a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of the application on clinical outcomes.