Abstract
BackgroundIt has been reported that 75% of stairway accidents occur while descending stairs. Using a cane can help to prevent older people and those with limited mobility from falling. However, studies have shown that two-thirds of older cane users use a cane that is longer than the recommended length, which may cause unnecessary muscular loads. This study aims to assess balance and muscular load in older people descending different height steps with different cane lengths.MethodsNine participants (5 males and 4 females) aged over 65 years participated in this study. Cane length and stair height were independent variables. Electromyography signals were recorded from the biceps brachii of the arm that usually held the cane and from both gastrocnemius muscles. In addition, the center of pressure (CoP) was assessed as an indicator of balance in older people descending a step.ResultsDescending from higher steps resulted in the use of greater arm and leg strength at the time of first foot contact. However, cane length did not affect any of the root mean square values. In addition, the CoP Stabilometric Parameters showed that mean distance, antero-posterior mean distance, total excursions, antero-posterior total excursions, mean velocity, and antero-posterior mean velocity were significantly affected by step height, but not by cane length.ConclusionsIf cane length is within the currently suggested range, then it has little effect on the force load on the arm and legs when descending a step. Step height has a greater effect than cane length on the strategies used by older people to maintain stability.
Highlights
It has been reported that 75% of stairway accidents occur while descending stairs
EMG Results Representative EMG signals from one older individual showing the load on the muscles of the arm, on the leg at the first foot contact, and on the leg at the second foot contact are shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5
Statistical analysis revealed that the center of pressure (CoP) Stabilometric Parameters Mean distance (MDIST), MDIST_AP, Total excursions (TOTEX), TOTEX_AP, Mean velocity (MVELO), and MVELO_AP were significantly affected by step height (Table 4)
Summary
Using a cane can help to prevent older people and those with limited mobility from falling. Studies have shown that two-thirds of older cane users use a cane that is longer than the recommended length, which may cause unnecessary muscular loads. This study aims to assess balance and muscular load in older people descending different height steps with different cane lengths. Muscle quality and quantity decrease by approximately 30% to 40% from age 50 to 80 years [4,5]. This phenomenon often leads to difficulty walking, changes in gait, and an increased risk of falling, which is a common cause of death in older people.
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