Abstract Background: Effects of orthopedic immobilizations of the lower right limb on driving performances are unknown. Therefore, clinicians and legislators cannot put forth recommendations for road safety for patients requiring such immobilizations. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different orthopedic immobilizations on braking performances in simulated driving conditions. Methods: The braking performances of 48 healthy volunteers were evaluated under 3 conditions: wearing their running shoes, and 2 types of orthopedic immobilizations of the lower right limb, a walking cast and an Aircast walker. A computerized driving simulator was used to measure the maximum force applied on the brake pedal during braking, the braking reaction time and the total braking time during emergency braking with and without a distracter.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
48
Participant was asked to do all the experiments with their own running shoes
The participant was ask to do all the experiments with a plaster cast molded on his right leg
The participant was ask to do all the experiments with a aircast on his right leg
Research Centre on Aging, Sherbrooke Geriatric University Institute (IUGS),
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Mean Breaking Time Measured on a Driving Car Simulator
computerized driving simulator was used to measure the braking reaction time and the total braking time during emergency braking with and without a distracter.
Time frame: June 2007 to September 2007
Mean Breaking Force Measured on a Driving Car Simulator
computerized driving simulator was used to measure the braking force during emergency braking with and without distractor
Time frame: June 2007 to September 2007
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