Cane Technique Research Articles

Biomechanical Movements in Experienced Cane users with and without Visual Impairments

Travelers with visual impairments and orientation and mobility (O&M) instructors were assessed in their performance of the two-point touch cane technique. Both groups deviated similarly from classical stipulations of the technique, having wider arc widths and hand positions off of midline. Measures of body coverage and rhythm were less than ideal. Foot placement preview was linked to several factors. The possibility of focusing more on coverage than on rhythm when assessing cane use is postulated.

Biomechanical Substrates of the Two-point Touch Cane Technique: A Review of Research

This article reviews research on the biomechanical elements related to the most commonly used long cane technique: two-point touch. The use of several natural biomechanical tendencies supports the contention that the technique is inherently efficient.

A Computer Profile of Mobility Coverage and a Safety Index

This article describes a model of mobility and the resulting software program that allows for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of cane coverage. The software program allows the mobility specialist to input micro-components of an individual's cane technique and a defined environmental situation. The software generates a graphically displayed coverage profile and a safety index (accident probability). Both model and program have broad implications in mobility for practice, research, and policy. Currently, the model is limited to cane-related skills and techniques and does not factor in such concepts as orientation, motivation, reaction time, and use of other senses.

The Application of Two-Point Touch Cane Technique to Theories of Motor Control and Learning Implications for Orientation and Mobility Training

Basic behavioral processes involved in motor control based on theories of motor control and learning are outlined using the teaching of two-point touch cane technique as an application of the theories. The authors believe that the keys to successful mobility training are repetition and correctly performed practice of each skill and sufficient learning time to facilitate overlearning and subsequent skill retention.

Modification of the Two-Point Touch Cane Technique: A Pilot Study

In this pilot study four subjects were observed to determine the extent of the natural movement of their centers of gravity in relation to arc height during the two-point touch cane technique. The subjects learned and practiced a modified technique using their center of gravity as much as possible. Analysis of the data revealed that each subject was, to some extent, able to incorporate the movement of the center of gravity into the two-point touch technique.

Cane Technique: Modifying the Touch Technique for Full Path Coverage

Measurements of height of cane hand, cane length, step size, and forearm length of 17 cane, using blind subjects were taken for the purpose of testing the hypothesis that the touch technique does not provide 100 percent path coverage. Percent path coverage for the touch technique and the modified technique of Uslan and Manning was compared. The modified technique offered the complete protection of full path coverage and afforded subjects information about a substantial area that the touch technique did not.

Rural Orientation and Mobility: Problems and Solutions

Rural orientation and mobility presents long cane travelers with special problems of orientation and application of long cane techniques to rough rural terrain. Solutions to orientation problems and modifications of basic long cane techniques for rural travel are described in this article. Rural blind Virginians with limited availability of formal orientation and mobility instruction frequently develop innovative methods, devices, and aids for independent travel prior to formal orientation and mobility instruction.

Orientation and Mobility in Asia: The Hazards

In this comparison of the hazards faced by the blind pedestrian in Asia and the United States, it is concluded that in Asia there must be much greater flexibility in the application of basic cane techniques. The absence of sidewalks, the crowded and obstacle-strewn streets, the wide variety of vehicles and roaming animals, deep storm drains, overgrown country trails, paddy fields, etc. require that orientation and mobility skills, including the use of touch and hearing, often be adapted to the true needs of the blind traveler.

The Severed Cane Technique and Its Application to Mechanical Harvesting of Raisin Grapes

The Severed Cane Technique and Its Application to Mechanical Harvesting of Raisin Grapes

Foot Travel via Hoover Cane Technique to Placement

Foot Travel via Hoover Cane Technique to Placement