Proper Straight Cane Positioning to Decrease Upper Extremity Force on the Targeted Lower Extremity while Reaching in Preparation for an ADL Task
Event Type
Presentation
Start Date
12-1-2020 9:00 AM
End Date
12-1-2020 12:00 PM
Description
Purpose: This study assessed which cane height and reaching height elicits decreased upper extremity (UE) muscular force for optimal cane positioning. A cane can facilitate engagement in activities of daily living. It is proposed that incorrect cane height and usage requires increased energy. Limited research exists regarding the impact of cane height on energy expenditure during reaching.
Method: Forty-seven adult participants performed reaching tasks at three heights utilizing two different cane heights. The triceps and wrist extensors on the cane UE and deltoid on the reaching UE were recorded by electromyography (EMG).
Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the cane adjusted at wrist and one inch higher. Additional median EMG results for the 60-degree reaching height showed lower energy expenditure for both cane heights.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that cane height does not significantly impact energy expenditure, although, increased energy conservation while reaching for items on shelf at a lower height was noted.
Recommended Citation
Reinoso, G., Rzepkowski, T., Yu, M., Cupano, K., Watkins, A., Schneider, J., Dingus, T., & Farris, M. (2020), Proper Straight Cane Positioning to Decrease Upper Extremity Force on the Targeted Lower Extremity while Reaching in Preparation for an ADL Task, Presentation, Sixth Annual Research Colloquium, https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ot_colloquium/sixth/events/5
Proper Straight Cane Positioning to Decrease Upper Extremity Force on the Targeted Lower Extremity while Reaching in Preparation for an ADL Task
Purpose: This study assessed which cane height and reaching height elicits decreased upper extremity (UE) muscular force for optimal cane positioning. A cane can facilitate engagement in activities of daily living. It is proposed that incorrect cane height and usage requires increased energy. Limited research exists regarding the impact of cane height on energy expenditure during reaching.
Method: Forty-seven adult participants performed reaching tasks at three heights utilizing two different cane heights. The triceps and wrist extensors on the cane UE and deltoid on the reaching UE were recorded by electromyography (EMG).
Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the cane adjusted at wrist and one inch higher. Additional median EMG results for the 60-degree reaching height showed lower energy expenditure for both cane heights.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that cane height does not significantly impact energy expenditure, although, increased energy conservation while reaching for items on shelf at a lower height was noted.