[PC-14] Analysis of Mechanical Load Affected on Walking Stick Grips during Walking with a Walking Stick
Keywords:Walking Stick, Mechanical Load, Electromyogram
The walking stick is a device often used to aid walking. However, there are no indicators for selecting the optimal walking stick. By evaluating easiness to grip from mechanical load, users can choose the cane that better fits them. We developed an experimental system by installing strain-gauge on cane and doing electromyography during cane walk. Seven subjects participated in walking tests. As a result, the maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) decreased by about 6%MVC in the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle and flexor digitorum superficialis muscle due to changes in the grip shape, and the acting load decreased by about 15%.