| Summary: | 博士 === 大同大學 === 設計科學研究所 === 101 === Walker is one of the most popular mobility assistive devices; however, most users would result in upper-limb injury after using walker. Thus, through understanding the mode of operating the walker by the upper limbs, users might avoid many complications as well as prevent injury. The purpose of this study was to redesign the handle of walker, in order to reduce the wrist deviation while operating walker and maintain the stability of walking.
Through questionnaire, motion analysis, and Pilot Study in preliminary research, the structure and operation of walker were delineated. An experimental research focuses on daily activity, including standing up/sitting down and walking, in order to investigate the wrist deviation while operating walker. The results indicate walker usage causes wrist deviation and the ulnar deviation or dorsiflexion of right hand are greater than those of left one. The redesigned handle of walker by referring the results of anthropometry can reduce ulnar deviation, but it has adverse effect on dorsiflexion. Besides, it also maintains walking stability and increases gait speed.
The findings of this study are following, 1) Designer can focus and improve ulnar deviation in the future walker handle design; 2) the walker handle can be adjusted in accordance with users’ physical condition; for frail elder, it can be adjusted 30° of both walker handles; for intermediate-frail elder, it can be adjusted 30° of left side handle and 35° of right side handle. The research method of this study can be applied on the other type of walker. Moreover, handle shape and personalized design might be useful for future research.
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