Article

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of cane use and cane
positions on the sit-to-stand performance of stroke patients. DESIGN: In a
crossover study, 30 stroke patients performed sit-to-stand test in seven
situations in a random sequence: without a cane, three positions with a regular
cane (parallel to the ankle, parallel to the 5th toe, and 10 cm in front of the
5th toe), and the same three positions with a quad cane.
The peak vertical ground
reaction force and maximum vertical cane support force during sit-to-stand were
recorded. RESULTS: Using a cane significantly reduced the peak ground reaction
force by 3% to 9% of body weight compared with that without a cane (P =
0.000-0.023). Different cane positions strongly influenced the maximum cane
support force and peak ground reaction force. When the cane was closer to the
ankle, the maximal cane support force increased by 6.7% to 8.6% of body weight,
which resulted in a decrease in the peak ground reaction force. CONCLUSIONS: Both
types of cane reduced lower limbs' load during sit to stand. When the cane was
closer to the trunk, the load on legs was lessened, whereas the load on the upper
limb increased. Upper limb's load during sit to stand was greater when using quad
cane than using regular cane.

Langue : ANGLAIS