title: Drop-off detection with the long cane: effect of cane shaft weight and rigidity on performance.
abstract: Most travellers who are blind rely on a long cane to detect drop-offs on their walking paths. We examined how different cane shaft materials affect drop-off detection performance through providing different vibrotactile and proprioceptive feedbacks to the cane user. Results of the study showed a significant interaction between cane shaft weight and how the cane is used. A heavier cane was advantageous for detecting drop-offs when the individual used the 'constant contact technique' - cane tip stays in contact with the walking surface at all times - but not when he used the 'two-point touch technique' - cane tip is rhythmically tapped on the surface. In addition, a more flexible cane was advantageous for detecting drop-offs when the two-point touch technique was used but not when the constant contact technique was used. It is recommended that, when blind individuals select a cane shaft material, they consider which long cane technique they use more often. Practitioner Summary: Long cane shaft material affects how well a blind individual can detect drop-offs. A heavier shaft was advantageous when using the constant contact technique (cane tip stays in continuous contact with the surface), while a more flexible shaft was better when using the two-point touch technique (cane tip rhythmically taps the surface).
authors.affiliation: a Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies , Western Michigan University , Kalamazoo , MI , USA.
authors.forename: Dae Shik
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: a Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies , Western Michigan University , Kalamazoo , MI , USA.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wall Emerson
authors.affiliation: b Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , Western Michigan University , Kalamazoo , MI , USA.
authors.forename: Koorosh
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Naghshineh
authors.affiliation: c Global Headquarters , Whirlpool Corporation , Benton Harbor , MI , USA.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Auer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001766:Blindness / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002183:Canes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011434:Proprioception; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D014732:Vibration; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Biomechanics; equipment design; hand–arm vibration; long cane for the blind; perception