Relationship between Lateral Bending and Shoulder Abduction during Double-crutch Walking

Abstract

[Purpose] We used musculoskeletal simulation to estimate abduction of the shoulder and lateral bending of the spinal column during crutch walking, and investigated the relationship between lateral bending of the spinal column and abduction of the shoulder during double-crutch walking. [Participants and Methods] The participants were five healthy young males. Data of movement during crutch walking was measured using a 3D motion analysis system. Based on the obtained data, shoulder joint abduction and lateral bending of the spinal column during double-crutch walking was estimated using a musculoskeletal simulation. [Results] A significant correlation between the lateral bending angle of the spinal column and abduction angle of the shoulder was found during the crutch stance phase. [Conclusion] A relationship between lateral bending of the spinal column and abduction angle of the shoulder was found, and it was considered that the axillary pad slipping out of the axilla during double-crutch walking was a possible factor.