Cane Design: A Preliminary Research Concerning on Cane and Elderly Users

Abstract

There are many canes in the market focusing on different specific group of users. This study aims to amass data to identify problems face by cane user (CU) and potential cane user (PCU) to determine the specific user group for the new cane design. A series of preliminary research (systematic review, online questionnaires, interview and direct observations) focusing on cane and user experience was conducted for this research. For systematic review, 26 cane-related-articles were chosen and finalized from 3 online databases (PubMed, Medscope and Science Direct). An online questionnaire was distributed to 46 Malaysians, age 40 and above, to understand their current health status and how they perceive the use of cane. 3 elders above 75 years old were interviewed to understand their current difficulties and health status in depth. Finally, 3 uniquely designed canes were distributed and tested among a group of Koreans aged 20s, 30s and 40s without cane experience for user interaction observation. Research shows that cane should be used correctly as misuse of canes could cause the increase of elderly's fall risk and thus affects the confidence of CU and PCU towards cane. First time users (FTU) of cane could be found among people in age group 50-59 years old. This research has suggested FTU as the specific user group of the new design as problems faced by CU and PCU are related to the lack of cane instruction in early stage. This study is conducted as a part of long-term project that ultimately designs a cane for the elderly.

Design of One-Leg Cane Handle Using AHP-TOPSIS Comparative Study to Improve The Mobility of The Elderly

“…Walking aids for the elderly are used to maintain and improve independence for a better quality of life. The most commonly used mobility aid for the elderly is a cane, but the use of canes by the elderly is mostly not correctly instructed, where up to 70% use the wrong cane handle and use it incorrectly [14] [15]. Most elderly get a cane by choice or by the suggestion of friends or family [16].…”