Life-Space Mobility of Middle-Aged and Older Adults at Various Stages of Usage of Power Mobility Devices

Abstract Auger C, Demers L, Gélinas I, Miller WC, Jutai JW, Noreau L. Life-space mobility of middle-aged and older adults at various stages of usage of power mobility devices. Objective To examine whether the impact of power mobility devices (PMDs) varies as a function of stage of usage and to explore key factors associated with greater life-space mobility for middle-aged and older adults. Design Multicohort study with respondents grouped as a function of stage of PMD usage (reference group with mobility impairments, n=42; initial users, 1–6mo, n=35; long-term users, 12–18mo, n=39). Cohorts were compared with respect to life-space mobility in a continuum of environments ranging from home to outside town, using analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Baseline personal, assistive device, intervention, and environmental factors associated with life-space mobility were explored with age-adjusted linear regression models. Setting Four Canadian rehabilitation centers. Participants Random sample of middle-aged and older adults (N=116; 50–89y) living in the community or residential care. Intervention Procurement of a powered wheelchair or scooter. Main Outcome Measure Life-Space Assessment composite score. Results Cohort comparisons showed higher frequency of outings for PMD users in the neighborhood ( P