Engelbert et al modified the mobility efficiency scale of Bleck for patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. This expanded scale allow closer monitoring of patient mobility after therapeutic interventions. The authors are from Wilhelmina Children's Hospital in Utrecht, The Netherlands.
The original walking (ambulation) efficiency scale of Bleck ranged from 0 (none possible) to 4 (walk in community). This is discussed later under general musculoskeletal disorders. The modification consists of subdividing the 4 walking levels depending on whether a walking aid is needed.
Patient selection: age > 24 months of age
Walking Status |
Walking Aid |
Scale |
unable to walk at all |
NA |
1 |
therapy walker |
requires use of crutches or canes |
2 |
therapy walker |
does not require crutches or canes |
3 |
about the house |
requires use of crutches or canes |
4 |
about the house |
does not require crutches or canes |
5 |
in the neighborhood |
requires use of crutches or canes |
6 |
in the neighborhood |
does not require crutches or canes |
7 |
in the community |
requires use of crutches or canes |
8 |
in the community |
without use of crutches or canes |
9 |
where:
• Walking in the neighborhood in Bleck's scale used the ability to walk 2-3 blocks.
Purpose: To monitor the mobility of a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta using a modification of Bleck's ambulation efficiency scale.
Specialty: Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Objective: response to therapy, disability and performance
ICD-10: Q78.0,