News Releases - 2006

October 19 , 2006

Follow-up Evaluation needed to Maximize Benefit of Rollators
Millions spent subsidizing walking aids,
yet little research on effectiveness

Toronto (Oct. 19, 2006) – A new study by researchers at West Park Healthcare Centre shows the need for follow-up evaluations to ensure millions of dollars are spent wisely on subsidizing an increasingly common walking aid.

Known as a “rollator” because this type of walker features four wheels (as opposed to the metal four legged frames), the device is frequently used by people with breathing difficulties such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study, published in this month’s issue of the international medical journal Chest, concluded that a patient’s long-term benefit from having the device at their home was tied directly to how often they used it.

“Rollators can be very useful for many COPD patients who need assistance walking,” said Dr. Roger Goldstein, study co-author and Respirologist at West Park Healthcare Centre. “Yet this study shows that not everyone’s quality of life improves with this device.”

Thirty-one patients were involved in the study which noted how often they used the rollator, its impact on their mobility, and its effect on their quality of life-especially their mastery over their condition.

“The findings are important as there’s been little research into the long-term value of these devices even though governments are spending millions of dollars each year to subsidize them,” said Dr. Goldstein. “There needs to be a system of follow-up evaluation to ensure that patients who receive access to these devices actually use them.”

In Ontario, the government spends about $1.5 million each year to subsidize the purchase of nearly 5,000 rollators. The assistive devices program covers 75 per cent of the cost of a rollator, which range from $400 to $500 each. In order to qualify, an Ontario patient’s needs must be assessed by an authorized Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist, and the device must be required for ongoing daily mobility.

The study points to possible cost savings by educating patients and healthcare providers about the indications, application and expected benefits from using a rollator. Further savings could be possible by establishing follow-up evaluations and recycling the equipment from patients who are not benefiting, the study notes.

Other authors of the study include Renu B. Gupta, Dr. Dina Brooks, and Dr. Yves Lacasse.

West Park Healthcare Centre provides specialized rehabilitation, complex continuing care and long term care services, helping people overcome their health barriers to live the fullest lives possible after the onset of an illness or injury. The centre is also recognized internationally for its expertise and research in respiratory medicine, its rehabilitation services for those with emphysema and chronic bronchitis (known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD) and its care of those with tuberculosis.

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For more information, please contact:

Vince Rice, Acting Director, Public Relations
Phone: (416) 243-3730
Pager: (416) 372-2915
Email: vice.rice@westpark.org