Comparison of the Effect of Cane, Tripod Cane Tip, and Quad Cane on Postural Steadiness in Healthy Older Adults

Abstract

Objectives Previous studies have shown that use of assistive devices may contribute to loss of balance and increased risk of falls. The purpose of this study was to compare postural steadiness of older adults using straight cane, tripod, and quad cane. Methods Sixteen healthy older adults (8 men, 8 women; age, 62–84 years) were recruited. Analyses focused on mean and root-mean-square distances from the mean center of pressure position, 95% confidence circle area, total power, 95% power frequencies, and centroidal frequency of the sway signal. Results Significant improvements in postural steadiness were found when the tripod cane tip was used as compared with straight cane. All measured variables of postural steadiness with the tripod cane tip, however, were significantly below those of the quad cane. Discussion The findings suggest that use of the tripod cane tip can significantly improve postural steadiness over use of the straight cane. Our findings, however, suggest that tripod canes provide less level of postural steadiness than quad canes.

Effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on postural control of individuals with major depressive disorder: A case report

“…total excursion and sway velocity) to reveal more valuable information. 25 , 26 , 33 Analysis of the frequency content of a signal may reveal underlying changes that are often not observed in a time series. 34 Our results indicated significant changes in the power of sway signal following rTMS sessions.…”

“…A detailed explanation of the computation methods used for the variables and equations is available in the literature. [25][26][27][28][29][30] Total excursion of sway, identified as the total distance that the COP travels while standing in a static position, was computed by summation of the distance between two consecutive data points…”

Postural Sway in Lower Extremity Amputees and Older Adults May Suggest Increased Fall Risk in Amputees

“…Detailed explanation of computation methods for variables and equations are available in literature. 11 , 12 , 25 – 28 Mean sway distance which represents the average sway from the mean position of the center of pressure was calculated for N data points as follows:…”

“…Postural steadiness may be an indicator of the quality of balance and postural control. [10][11][12][13] Literature has linked time series 14,15 and frequency domain [16][17][18][19] variables of postural sway to balance. Additionally, it is reported that state of anxiety and fear of falling impact postural sway.…”

“…22 While most studies of postural steadiness focus on quantification of time series variables extracted from postural sway signals, 23 others have suggested and utilized frequency domain variables of sway in parallel with time series variables to reveal more valuable information. 11,12,19 Analysis of frequency content of a signal reveals underlying changes that often are not observed in time series. For instance, in the absence of movement, agonist and antagonist muscles may still be actively working against each other.…”