Vertical force and wrist deviation angle in a sample of elderly people using walkers

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Geriatric Medicine
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Elderly individuals often use walkers due to lower limb weakness and balance issues.
• The ergonomic impact of walker use on upper limb stress, particularly wrist joints, is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess wrist deviation and vertical forces in elderly individuals using walkers.
• To investigate the relationship between walker use experience and upper limb biomechanics.

Main Methods:

• Sixty elderly volunteers (30 experienced walker users, 30 novices) participated.
• Wrist deviation and vertical forces were measured using load cells and a wrist goniometer during assisted walking.
• Gait cycle parameters were analyzed.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in gait cycle were observed between groups.
• Significant ulnar deviation and dorsiflexion of the right wrist were noted, exceeding left-hand deviation.
• Novice users exhibited greater wrist dorsiflexion, while experienced users generated higher vertical forces.
• Increased wrist deviation correlated positively with increased vertical force.

Conclusions:

• Standard walker designs with horizontal handles contribute to detrimental wrist deviations in elderly users.
• These findings raise concerns for user health, clinicians, and the medical device industry.
• Ergonomic modifications to walker designs are recommended to mitigate wrist stress.