The first steps after a proximal femoral fracture: Sensor-based mobility exploration in geriatric trauma patients

Abstract

Background: Sensor-based monitoring allows continuous observations of patient mobilization after proximal femoral fractures. A wrist-worn motion tracker allows long-term observation that is low in interruption and constraints for subjects. Objective: Description of steps development after hip fracture surgery on a specialized geriatric trauma ward and beyond. Material and methods: In the explorative long-term field research study, an applicable motion tracker observed steps per day of 20 patients (80% female, mean age 85.2 years ± 7.86 years) for 10 weeks. Weekly mean values (days 1–7, 8–14 etc.) of steps per day formed the database for descriptive analysis (mean, SD, min, max, median). Results: During observation weeks (ow) a positive development of steps took place. A mean increase factor of 1.285 (±0.351) occurred from ow 1 (M = 353.57 ± 310.15) to ow 10 (M = 2482.07 ± 1374.12). The highest increase by a factor of 1.8 could be reported from ow 2 (M = 556.27 ± 478.11) to ow 3 (M = 1024.86 ± 921.24) as well as from ow 6 (M = 1268.21 ± 880.47) to 7 (M = 2367.14 ± 1680.08). A slight decrease of steps occurred from ow 4 (M = 1208.27 ± 1210.45) to ow 5 (0.99-fold) and from ow 9 (M = 2689.98 ± 2339.71) to 10 (0.92-fold). High ranges and standard deviations in relation to the mean occurred constantly. The presence of several step development groups could be presumed. Conclusion: Motion tracker and the variable steps per day can represent the ability to walk within an everyday environment, with a possible underestimation of < 10%. Differences regarding observation lengths and disruptions occurred. Cluster analysis should detect group attributes of different courses of development in subsequent studies.