The Effects of Lower Right Limb Orthopedic Immobilization on Driving Performance

The Effects of Lower Right Limb Orthopedic Immobilization on Driving Performance: an Experimental Study During Simulated Driving in Healthy Volunteers.

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy subjects between 25 and 60 years old
• Valid Québec driving license
• Driving for at least five years
• Must used exclusively the right foot for accelerating and braking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-compensated visual acuity deficits or other visual problems
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Use of psychotropic drugs
• Central nervous system illnesses such as epilepsy
• Sleep issues
• Metabolic problems
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Psychiatric illness
• Renal disease
• Musculoskeletal disease
• Motion sickness and
• Simulator sickness