Analysis of Crutch Position in the Horizontal Plane to Estimate the Stability of the Axillary Pad in the Axilla during Single-crutch Walking

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to estimate the stability of the axillary pad in the axilla during single-crutch walking through kinematic analysis of the crutch position in the horizontal plane. [Subjects] The subjects were 19 healthy young males. [Methods] The subjects were instructed to walk 5 m in a straight line while using a single crutch. This was repeated 10 times. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and Tukey's honest significance test were used to compare crutch angles across three time points during crutch stance (crutch contact, mid stance and crutch off) for each subject. [Results] A statistically significant effect of time was found in 17 of the 19 subjects. Sixteen of these 17 subjects rotated the crutch externally from crutch contact to crutch off. [Conclusion] External rotation of the crutch throughout the stance phase is important to enable the axillary pad to be held tightly against the chest wall. These results may lead to alterations of the instructions for crutch use and the prevention of falls.