Effect of the Change of the Grip Position on a T-cane on Support during Walking

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the optimum setting position of the grip, by investigating the effect of the difference in the direction of the angle between the grip and shaft of a T-cane on the dynamic stability of the wrist joint, in order to develop a T-cane that does not cause pain in the wrist joint. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 18 males and 2 females. We assumed that, during T-cane use, the tenodesis function would functionally stabilize the wrist joint. The grip angle was changed from perpendicular (to the shaft) to angled by 5°, and eight positions (increments of 45° from 0° to 360°, with the shaft as the axis) were evaluated. The usability of the T-cane was evaluated by measuring the muscle activities of the extensors and flexors and sway at three points. [Results] We found that, when the grip was set in a position such that the wrist was dorsiflexed, forearm extensor activity decreased, and sway did not significantly change. [Conclusion] We concluded that the low-load position of the grip could be adjusted based on wrist radial/ulnar flexion.