Effect of crutch and walking-boot use on whole-body angular momentum during gait.
Robert C Wiederien, Wesley J Gari, Jason M Wilken
PMID 37499144WHAT IT FOUND
Healthy adults walking with a hands-free crutch showed significantly lower whole-body angular momentum than with standard axillary crutches, suggesting better dynamic balance control.
Most participants preferred the hands-free device, though it did not reduce pain or increase comfort compared to standard crutches.
Key findings
01Whole-body angular momentum (RAM) was significantly different between all six device conditions, with the highest values in the standard crutch plus boot condition and the lowest in the no-device condition.
02Adding a walking boot increased mean RAM by 18.1% in the no-crutch condition, 25.8% in the hands-free crutch condition, and 11.1% in the standard crutch condition.
03Balance confidence was highest without any device, followed by the boot only, then the hands-free crutch, and lowest with standard crutches, though the difference between the two crutch types was not statistically significant.
STILL TO COME
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What it does not show
The study included only healthy, able-bodied adults aged 18-45, so results may not apply to older adults or those with actual lower limb injuries who typically use these devices. Walking was tested only on a level surface at a controlled speed, ignoring uneven terrain, fatigue, or prolonged use, which are common real-world challenges. The sample size was small (17 participants), limiting the generalizability of the findings. The study was supported by the manufacturer of the hands-free crutch (iWalkFree, Inc.), which may introduce bias, although the authors state the funder had no role in design or reporting.
Declared interests
The study was supported by iWalkFree, Inc. (the manufacturer of the hands-free crutch) and the National Institutes of Health. The authors report no competing interests to declare, and the funders stated they played no role in the design, conduct, or reporting of the study.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that the hands-free crutch is safer or more comfortable for injured patients. The study was conducted on healthy adults, showed no difference in pain or comfort between crutch types, and was funded by the device manufacturer. The lower angular momentum observed is a biomechanical measure, not a direct proof of reduced fall risk in a clinical population.