Load analysis of hands and feet while using different types of crutches with various leg's weight bearing.

Abstract

The study aimed to define the load on hands using various commonly used types of crutches while walking with a full load on both legs (FL), with 20 kg partial load (PL), or with the left leg wholly unloaded (UL). Twenty-six healthy subjects used crutches with ergonomic handles, with anatomic handles (wider and softer bearing surface), and arthritis crutches (horizontal supporting area for the forearm). Sensor mats between hand and handles continuously measured the load transmitted, while sensor soles in the shoes recorded the ground reaction forces simultaneously. The load on the palm and separately the radial and ulnar halves of the palm were analyzed. With arthritis crutches, significantly lower load was transferred to the hands compared to forearm crutches (FL 3% vs. 25% of body weight, PL 8% vs. 87%, UL 12% vs. 103%). The load on hands increased significantly from FL to PL and UL for both types of crutches. The ipsilateral left hand had to bear significantly more load than the right hand. However, the feet's time-ground reaction curves showed more irregularities, and PLon the left leg was significantly higher with arthritis crutches. Anatomic handles reduced the load on the ulnar half of the palm (FL 3% vs. 5%, PL 13% vs. 18%, UL 17% vs. 23%); the radial half of the palm had a similar load to bear with both types of handles (11/11%, 31/32%, 34/35%). Arthritis crutches allow unburdening hands at the expense of gait stability. Anatomic handles reduce the load on the Guyon's canal.