Basic Survey on What Made People Start using Walking Sticks and the Roles of Walking-Sticks

Abstract

Walking-sticks are assistive products which can be purchased by anyone. Information on what made walking-stick users start using a walking-stick may help the selection of walking-sticks and design of the environment in which they are used in the future. In addition, learning the views of users about walking-sticks will help design walking-sticks that suit the physical and living conditions of users. In this study, a questionnaire survey of walking-stick users was conducted to elucidate the main reasons why users started using walking-sticks, and the roles of walking-sticks for users. The results revealed that walking-stick users had difficulty walking, and that many were using walking-sticks because they were worried about walking. As to the roles of walking-sticks, the responses could be classified into “assistive product,” “psychological support and safety,” and “a part of the body.” Since walking-sticks also help to draw out residual functions, some people seemed to consider them as extensions of their bodies.