Characteristics of upper limb joint mechanics with increased cane dependence during walking

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of differences in cane dependence on the mechanical work at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints during walking. [Participants and Methods] Fifteen volunteers participated in this study (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age: 24.9 ± 2.7 years, height: 1.73 ± 0.04 m, and body mass: 68.5 ± 8.9 kg). The participants walked under three conditions: (1) without a cane, (2) with a cane at 10% body weight (BW), and (3) with a cane at 20% BW. The shoulder, elbow, and wrist joint work was calculated to evaluate the mechanical load. [Results] The results indicated a significant interaction between load conditions and positive joint work, as well as between load conditions and negative joint work. The positive work in the shoulder and elbow joints significantly increased in the 20% BW condition compared to that in the 10% BW condition. [Conclusion] Increased cane dependence did not uniformly increase the positive and negative work of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. Increased cane dependence during walking increases energy generation in the shoulder and elbow joints, which can result in adverse musculoskeletal strain on the shoulder and elbow joints.