Examining directional changes when walking with an intravenous pole: A comparison of turning methods with and without stopping.

AIM

This study aimed to examine safer turning methods by focusing on and comparing gait and turn methods in relation to stopping when executing a turn while walking with an intravenous (IV) pole.

METHODS

The study participants included 33 healthy men. A situation was recreated in which an IV drip was placed in the peripheral vein of the left forearm of the participants and the IV pole was maneuvered using the left hand. A series of six movements was executed, including turn left and right, stopping. Gait was measured (by observing turning motion, stride, walking speed and head tilt angle), and subjective assessments were performed.

RESULTS

Compared with walking normally, walking with an IV pole and executing turns resulted in a decrease in the walking speed, an increase in the time required for walking, a decrease in the stride and a forward tilting in the head angle. Turning left without stopping was mostly accompanied by a spin turn, and the probability of the pole legs coming into contact with participants' legs (15.2%) was higher than that in other assessed movements of walking with a pole. In the subjective assessment, turning left without stopping displayed a lower sense of security (p < .05) than turning left with stopping.

CONCLUSIONS

When turning while using an IV pole, the pole itself poses a risk of falling. Therefore, momentary stopping and checking the safety of one's footing is a preventive measure against falling.