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VERTICAL FORCE AND WRIST DEVIATION ANGLE IN A SAMPLE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE USING WALKERS.
- Source :
-
Perceptual & Motor Skills . Feb2013, Vol. 116 Issue 1, p223-232. 10p. 1 Diagram, 2 Charts, 1 Graph. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Walkers are frequently used by elderly people with weak lower limbs and limited balance, but the ergonomic relationship between the use of a walker and stress on the upper limbs is relatively unstudied. The current study assessed wrist deviation and vertical force among elderly individuals using a walker for assistance in walking. 60 elderly volunteers (M age = 81.0 yr., SD = 8.8) participated, 30 of whom frequently used a walker, and 30 who had no such prior experience. Data were obtained from four load cells and a twin-axis wrist goniometer during assisted ambulation using the walker. No significant group difference was found in gait cycle. Significant wrist deviation occurred, with ulnar deviation/dorsiflexion of the right hand, which was greater than that of the left. Non-experienced participants had larger dorsiflexion than experienced participants. Experienced participants produced larger vertical force than non-experienced participants. The greater the wrist deviation, the greater was the vertical force. The horizontal handles of most marketed walkers cause wrist deviations. This is a concern for users, clinicians, and related industries. Improvements in walker design should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00315125
- Volume :
- 116
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Perceptual & Motor Skills
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 90056434
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.2466/26.10.15.PMS.116.1.223-232