Abstract
[Purpose] By using equipment which simulates the experience of the elderly, we investigated the effect of using a cane on cardiopulmonary response during walking in a posture with fixed lumbar spine and lower limb. [Subjects] The subjects were 11 healthy young people (7 men, 4 women, 19.1 ± 0.8 years old). [Methods] The subjects walked on a treadmill at a pace of 3.5 km/h for 5 minutes, and we analyzed expired gas, blood pressure and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) under 3 conditions (A: normal condition, B: condition of wearing the equipment, C: condition of wearing the equipment and using a cane). The results were compared among the 3 conditions. [Results] HR, VE, TV, VO2/W, SBP and RPE were significantly higher under condition B than A. In contrast, HR, VE, TV, VO2/W and RPE were significantly lower under condition C than B. Only SBP and RPE were significantly higher under condition C than A. [Conclusion] The results suggest that healthy young people using equipment which simulates the experience of the elderly can lighten their cardiopulmonary load by using a cane.
