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Ergonomically Designed Crutches Decrease Ground Reaction Forces, Joint Moments, and Underarm Pressure Compared to

Shekoofe Saadat^1,2, Josh Riesenberg³, Katherine Bricarell^4,5

¹Department of Kinesiology and Health, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011;Department of Sport Science and Health Education, Simpson College, N C Street, Indianola, IA 50125.

Journal of Biomechanical Engineering

|December 19, 2025

Summary

Crutch walking increases physical strain compared to unassisted walking. Ergonomic crutches reduce underarm pressure and improve comfort, though standard crutches may be easier to adapt to initially.

Keywords:

crutches gait analysis joint angles joint moments kinematics motion capture pressure

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Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Orthopedics
Human Factors Engineering

Background:

Crutch walking is less efficient and potentially riskier than unassisted gait.
Understanding biomechanical differences and the impact of crutch design is crucial for user safety and comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare biomechanics of unassisted gait versus crutch walking.
To evaluate differences between standard and ergonomically designed crutches.
To assess user comfort and pressure distribution with different crutch types.

Main Methods:

Utilized motion capture and force platforms for kinematic and kinetic data.
Employed flexible pressure pads to measure underarm pressure.
Collected subjective user feedback on crutch comfort and usability.

Main Results:

Crutch walking elevated ground reaction forces and joint moments compared to unassisted gait.
Ergonomic crutches reduced specific ground reaction forces, hip moments, and underarm pressures versus standard crutches.
Users reported higher comfort with ergonomic crutches, but standard crutches were perceived as easier for initial use.

Conclusions:

Crutch use significantly alters gait biomechanics, increasing joint loading.
Ergonomic crutches offer benefits in pressure reduction and comfort, particularly under the arms.
Standard crutches may require less familiarization time, suggesting a trade-off between immediate usability and long-term comfort/efficiency.