Influence of the weight of white canes on muscle load of the upper limbs

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to clarify the influence of the weight of white canes on body load. More specifically, we conducted quantitative evaluations of the load on upper limb muscles when a white cane was manipulated over a long period of time, while the subject remained in a stationary standing position. The white canes used were a new type of white cane newly fabricated using aramid fibers, as well as a conventional type of white cane fabricated using carbon fibers. The results indicated that the newly developed cane reduced the load on the muscles by about 50% in comparison with the conventional type of cane. It became clear that it was possible to sustain the same posture even when used continuously over a long period of time. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.