Mobile Weight-Support Therapy (MWeST) for Mobility After Geriatric Fracture

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
This is a two-year study proposal to assess feasibility of MWeST (Mobile Weight-Support Therapy) implementation after geriatric fracture and its effects on functional and patient-reported outcomes. The goal of this study is to improve mobilization of geriatric lower extremity trauma patients, with the aim of improving overall functional and patient-reported outcomes while decreasing complications and readmissions. Almost 50% of the adult population in the United States has osteopenia or osteoporosis, with over 2 million fragility fractures per year and a projected $25 billion in costs by 2025. These patients are at high risk for readmission due to complications, and at increased risk of mortality with these complications. Sarcopenia, a generalized loss of skeletal muscle associated with aging, has also been associated with increased disability and increased risk of future fracture in these patients. The investigator's study aims to assess the value of weight-support therapy for geriatric patients with lower extremity trauma in improving their overall risk of future injury and disability.

Detailed Description
-----------------
The goal of this study is to improve mobilization of geriatric lower extremity trauma patients, with the aim of improving overall functional and patient-reported outcomes while decreasing complications and readmissions. Almost 50% of the adult population in the United States has osteopenia or osteoporosis, with over 2 million fragility fractures per year and a projected $25 billion in costs by 2025. These patients are at high risk for readmission due to complications, and at increased risk of mortality with these complications. Sarcopenia, a generalized loss of skeletal muscle associated with aging, has also been associated with increased disability and increased risk of future fracture in these patients. The investigator's study aims to assess the value of weight-support therapy for geriatric patients with lower extremity trauma in improving their overall risk of future injury and disability.

Official Title
-----------------
Mobile Weight-Support Therapy (MWeST) for Mobility After Geriatric Fracture

Conditions
-----------------
Distal Femur Fracture

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Device: Device - Prism Medical FGA-700 Bariatric Floor Lift


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: 55 and older distal femur fracture able to walk prior to fracture Exclusion Criteria: patients unable to walk without any assistive devices post-injury patients too medically unstable to participate in physical therapy

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Device<br>This group will use the MWeST lift device along with regular physical therapy. The lift device is the Prism Medical FGA-700 Bariatric Floor Lift including a sling to assist in walking. | Device: Device - Prism Medical FGA-700 Bariatric Floor Lift<br>* This group will be using a Mobile Weight-Support Therapy (MWeST) device (the Prism Medical FGA-700 Bariatric Floor Lift) to determine if it improves mobilization of older patients with traumas of their legs.<br>|
| Control<br>This group will only receive regular physical therapy. | |

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Walking with device | Determining if the Mobile Weight-Support device helps improve mobility after injury compared to walking without device. | 1 year |