Axillary or Forearm Crutches: Comparing Postural Sway in Single Leg Stance and Perceptions of Safety

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare velocity of postural sway during single leg stance during use of axillary and forearm crutches and subjects' perceptions of preference, comfort and safety between crutch types. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects stood on a NeuroCom Balance Master (R) force platform with randomly chosen crutch types. Using crutches, each subject stood on one leg while sway velocity of the center of gravity (COG) was measured for 3 trials of ten-second duration. This was repeated with the opposite leg. This sequence was repeated with the other crutch type. Subjects responded to a written survey regarding preference, comfort and safety between crutch types. Results: In single leg stance on the leg opposite of subjects' handedness, a significantly greater sway velocity occurred with forearm crutches than with axillary crutches in all three trials. Seventy percent of subjects perceived axillary crutches as being safer (p = .028). Conclusions: The greater sway velocity with forearm compared with axillary crutches may provide initial objective data to partially support claims that axillary crutches are more stable than forearm crutches. Axillary crutches may also be perceived as safer.