Evaluation of Existing Walking Sticks and Recommendations for Modified Walking Stick

Abstract

Evaluation of the existing walking stick and recommendations for modified walking stick from the viewpoints of ergonomics. Subjective evaluation was used by preparing a standard questionnaire. 100% patients need modification in existing walking stick, 30% reported that the stick is too long to use, 30% reported that the handle was slipping out while in use, 26% felt that the stick is too heavy to them, whereas others reported palm and figure injury in long-term use of walking stick. In all, 54% reported slipping out of the stick on the floor, and 66% preferred cane as the stick material. The present study concluded that the elderly population need modification in existing walking sticks. The slipping rate of the stick could be minimized by adapting some modifications in the stick. Cane is preferred as the stick material in the studied population. Sengupta P, Mondal K, Mahata H, et al. Evaluation of Existing Walking Sticks and Recommendations for Modified Walking Stick. Indian J Phys Med Rehab 2019;30(3):69–73.