We studied 40 previously healthy women (median age 83 years 90% central range 77-90) 1 week after surgical fixation of their proximal femoral fracture to establish the significance of leg extensor power, postural sway, age, pre-injury mobility and fracture type in recovery of walking and stair-climbing ability. Subjects demonstrated a range of walking and stair-climbing abilities. Those not mobile all had sway greater than 40.9 cm/1 min and were more likely to have suffered a trochanteric fracture (p < 0.05). These subjects were not the oldest or those with the worst pre-injury mobility, but did report much greater pain (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression revealed leg extensor power in the fractured leg (LEPf) to be the most important determinant of walking speed (R2 0.40, p < 0.001) and stair climbing time (R2 0.33, p < 0.002). LEPf was less than in the uninjured leg (p < 0.001), and accounted for only 30% of the total power output. LEPf was determined by pain, and not pre-injury mobility or fracture pattern. These findings have implications for the development of rehabilitation programmes.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Lamb et al. (1995) studied this question.