Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and user satisfaction with the sit-to-stand (STS) assistance system of a smart walker (SW), and to identify factors associated with them in potential users.
Methods: A total of 33 older adults (29 women, aged ≥65 years) with motor impairments (habitual rollator use) and no severe cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination ≥17 points) carried out a Five-Chair Stand Test without assistance and five STS transfers with the STS assistance system. Based on the number of successfully completed STS transfers, success rates were calculated for the Five-Chair Stand Test and the SW-assisted STS transfers, and compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. User satisfaction was assessed using the Tele-healthcare Satisfaction Questionnaire-Wearable Technology (0–80 points, higher score = higher satisfaction). Bivariate correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify participant characteristics associated with the success rate and user satisfaction with the STS assistance system.
Results: The success rate for the SW-assisted STS transfers was significantly higher than for the Five-Chair Stand Test (93.3 ± 12.9% vs 54.5 ± 50.6%, P < 0.001). User satisfaction was high (Tele-healthcare Satisfaction Questionnaire-Wearable Technology 62.5 ± 11.2 points). The success rate with the STS assistance system was not significantly associated with any participant characteristics. Higher body mass index was a significant independent predictor of higher user satisfaction.
Conclusions: The SW-integrated STS assistance system can provide effective STS support with high user satisfaction for a wide range of potential users. Our findings suggest the high potential of the STS assistance system for promoting mobility, independence and quality of life for older adults with motor impairments