Clinical evaluation of the rocker bottom crutch.
One hundred fifty hospitalized patients referred to a physical therapy department for crutch walking instruction were evaluated in a randomized, controlled crossover study with "rocker bottom" and conventional axillary crutches. A large training effect was observed with each crutch, but no significant differences (all P greater than .05) of gait speed, stride length, heart rate, stability, or feeling of security were noted between the groups. Thus, rocker bottom crutches, despite potential stability and energy conservation benefits, were found to be no more effective than conventional axillary crutches in this hospital setting.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. 55902.
J R
JR
Basford
H L
HL
Rhetta
M P
MP
Schleusner
D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003446:Crutches / Q000592:standards*; D015987:Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic