Factors Associated with Driving Ability and Changes After Immobilization of the Right Lower Limb: A Driving Simulator Study

TL;DR

This study shows that height, age, and body type affect driving ability after a right lower limb cast, suggesting current driving regulations for immobilized patients may need review.

Contribution

The study identifies specific factors influencing driving ability after immobilization of the right lower limb using a driving simulator.

Findings

78.7% of participants could not drive after immobilization with a cast on the right lower limb.

Driving ability was significantly associated with height, age, and body type.

The study suggests current driving regulations for immobilized patients may need reconsideration.

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with orthopedic injuries often require cast immobilization therapy using casts. Driving with a cast on the right lower limb restricts many things. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with driving capacity after orthopedic fixation of the right lower limb in healthy adult volunteers. This study’s hypothesis was that the orthopedic splint immobilization would have delayed reaction when in a driving simulation. Materials and Methods: We carried out an experimental study between 17 April 2023 and 19 May 2023. We set up the study in two phases: a driving simulation experiment without immobilization with a cast on the right lower limb and a driving simulation experiment with immobilization with a cast on the right lower limb. The data collected through the questionnaire were then analyzed in R version 4.2.2. Results: A total of 47 individuals participated in the study with a mean height of 167.68, of which 68.09% were females. Overall, 78.7% of the study participants could not drive after immobilization with a cast on the right lower limb. There was a significant difference between participants who could drive and those who could not drive by height (p = 0.04), age (p = 0.038), and body type (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that an individual’s height, age, and body type are associated with an individual’s driving ability after orthopedic immobilization of the right lower limb. Our findings suggest that regulations regarding the ability to drive after orthopedic immobilization of the right lower limb must be reconsidered.

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