Abstract Details

Title Do Patients with Parkinsonism Use Properly Sized Canes?

Topic Movement Disorders

Presentation(s) P06 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 102

Objective

Background BACKGROUND: Imbalance and falls are two of the most serious complications of parkinsonism and are poorly responsive to medication. As a result, many patients use assistive devices including canes. We observed patients with parkinsonism using canes that were too high or low. We hypothesized that an assessment of cane height in patients with parkinsonism would demonstrate that most are not sized properly.

Design/Methods DESIGN/METHODS: Consecutive patients with parkinsonism attending the Movement Disorders Center who had canes with them were eligible. Participants completed a survey regarding cane use. Cane height was measured according to the guidelines of Sine et al. [Basic Rehabilitation Techniques: A Self-Instructional Guide 2000], a standard physical therapy text.

Results RESULTS: Of 530 patients, 72 (13%) used a cane. Three declined participation. Sixty-four had PD (93%), 1 PSP (1%), 1 drug-induced parkinsonism (1%) and 3 other parkinsonisms (4%). The average age was 71y (SD 9); there were 42 men (61%). Twenty participants (33%) reported that their cane was fitted by a health professional. Only 14 participants (20%) had canes that were the proper height; four (6%) had canes that were too tall and 51 (74%) had canes that were too short.

Conclusions CONCLUSIONS: We found that 80% of canes used by patients with parkinsonism were not at the proper height, most being too low. Only one-third of canes were professionally fitted. This study demonstrates the need to ensure that patients with parkinsonism have canes fitted properly. Further studies are needed to determine the utility of canes for improving gait and preventing falls in parkinsonism.

Authors/Disclosures
Stephen G. Reich, MD, FAAN (Univ of MD Hospital/Dept of Neuro) PRESENTER	Dr. Reich has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Best Doctors. Dr. Reich has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for UpToDate. Dr. Reich has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for Various law firms. Dr. Reich has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Reich has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
Katherine Holmes	No disclosure on file
Ludwig Kappos, MD, FAAN (RC2NB, University Hospital Basel)	Dr. Kappos has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
Renzo Figari-Jordan, MD, FAAN (University of Virginia)	Dr. Figari-Jordan has nothing to disclose.
Paul S. Fishman, MD, PhD (Univ of Maryland Sch of Med)	No disclosure on file
Karen Anderson	No disclosure on file
Lisa M. Shulman, MD, FAAN (University of Maryland School of Medicine)	The institution of Dr. Shulman has received research support from NIH. Dr. Shulman has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Shulman has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
William J. Weiner, MD	No disclosure on file

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