Dynamic body forces on axillary crutch walkers during swing-through gait.

By means of dynamic analysis and a series of experiments, peak dynamic forces on subjects ambulating with axillary crutches are evaluated. For swing-through times of about one second, the subjects needed to support from 1.1 to 3.4 times their body weight at their hands; but the horizontal loads at their axilla were much less, varying from 3 to 11 percent of body weight. Such data can be useful in selecting axillary crutches with sufficient padding at the axilla to minimize pressure on the sensitive nerves and blood vessels in this area; and in predetermining whether a patient is strong enough to use crutches, since he must support more than his own weight.