Biomechanical effect of walker structure changes on ambulation: implications for rehabilitation

Abstract

Although walkers are commonly used to improve patient mobility and stability, very little research has been done to describe upper extremity kinetic and kinematic patterns during walking ambulation. To date, a system has not been described which would allow for the measurement of reaction forces at the handles of the walker. The studies reported in the literature are limited to measurement of the reaction forces at the legs of the walker. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of altering the walker height on the forces applied to the walker and on the corresponding upper extremity joint moments.