Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

As Canada's population ages, mobility challenges are becoming increasingly common. Over one million Canadians, about 4% of the population, use walking aids such as canes, crutches, or walkers to support mobility and maintain independence, with older adults representing nearly 80% of users. The demand for walking aids is expected to rise further as age-related mobility conditions become more prevalent. Walking aids are prescribed to reduce pain, improve balance, maintain independence, and support community participation. However, safe and effective use requires more than simply providing the device; it involves learning and practicing specific skills to coordinate movements, shift weight properly, and adapt to varied environments. Proper fitting is also essential, as incorrect height can alter posture, cause fatigue or discomfort, and increase fall risk. For example, studies show that more than half of walker users adjust device height incorrectly. Without adequate training, users may adopt unsafe or inefficient walking patterns that increase fall risk. Despite their widespread use, there is currently no standardized method to evaluate how safely or skillfully people use walking aids. Although mobility tests commonly used in clinical and community settings, such as the Timed Up and Go and 6-Minute Walk Test, are used to assess mobility, screen for frailty, and guide walking-aid prescription, they lack specificity for evaluating the skills required for proficient walking-aid use. This study addresses this critical gap by developing and testing the Walking Aid Skills Test (WAST©), a standardized tool designed to measure proficiency and safety in using canes, crutches, and walkers. By enabling clinicians and researchers to identify training needs, the WAST© will contribute to safer mobility, fewer falls, and greater independence, ultimately supporting healthy aging, aging well at home, and reducing healthcare burdens across Canada's growing older population.