Thierry Deltombe, Mie Leeuwerck, Jacques Jamart, Anne Frederick, Geoffroy Dellicour
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2705

Objective: To assess the changes in gait parameters in adults with hemiparesis using a rolling cane (quadripod cane with small wheels; Wheeleo®) compared with a classical quadripod cane.
Design: A prospective, multicentric, cross-over randomized trial.
Participants: Thirty-two ambulatory adults with hemiparesis.
Methods: Participants were assessed using a quadripod cane and a rolling cane. Outcome measures were changes in: walking speed during a 10-m walk test and a 6-min walk test; frequency of 2-step gait; physiological cost index; number of therapist interventions to control the balance; perceived exertion; and participant satisfaction.
Results: The following outcomes were improved with the use of a rolling cane: walking speed during a 10-m walk test at comfortable (+22%: p? Conclusion: A rolling cane, Wheeleo®, increases walking speed in adults with hemiparesis without additional risk of falls.

Stroke patients frequently require a quadripod cane for walking. The Wheeleo® rolling cane has small wheels, allowing the patient to roll the cane instead of lifting it. Compared with a quadripod cane, this study found that the rolling cane improved walking speed and distance without additional risk of falls. Patient satisfaction was increased. The rolling cane can therefore be used as a rehabilitation device for these patients.