Comparison of surface landmarks for measuring the individualized height of rolling walker

ABSTRACT Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the wrist joint crease (WJC) and femoral greater trochanter (FGT) methods differ in measuring a rolling walker (RW) height and recommended elbow flexion degree (EFD) and which one is more reliable and valid. Method: Twenty-eight older adults without postural deformity were measured using both methods initially and 5-7 days later. Results: Significant differences (all p < .01) between the WJC and FGT methods were identified on both RW height and the EFD. For the reliability comparison, the correlation coefficients for RW height and EFD from the WJC method were .962, and .596, respectively; while those from the FGT method were .769, and .360, respectively. The WJC method showed validity by generating elbow flexion within the recommended range but the FGT method did not. Conclusion: The WJC is more reliable and valid in measuring RW height and the recommended EFD than the FGT method.