Introduction: The gait while using an intravenous (IV) pole is close to the gait of the elderly and fallers. Additionally, one survey has reported that the diagonal position is optimal for transporting an IV pole with a light load. However, in clinical practice, carrying a heavier load may be possible. Therefore, this study clarifies the optimum operation position using an IV pole with a weight closer to that in actual clinical practice.
Method: Using image analysis software, we investigated several variables indicating gait, such as stride length. Participants walk with an IV pole in three ways: sideways, in front, and diagonally. We investigated two types of IV pole loads, which are 0.5 kg and 5.0 kg.
Results and discussion: In 0.5-kg settings, the sideways position is a way to suppress the narrowing of the heel-floor angle. No significant difference in the subjective appraisals was observed between the sideways and diagonal positions. In addition, the sideways position is as optimum as the diagonal position. In 5.0-kg settings, only the sideways position suppressed the narrowing of the step length. Therefore, the sideways position is optimal. However, the participants' impressions suggested that arm strength is required for the sideways position. If a patient has weak arms and cannot maintain the sideways position, the patient may choose the diagonal position. Moreover, the front position is the way to hold the trunk most forward. However, there is a possibility that it is easy for a specific person, such as a rollator user, to choose. Therefore, further investigate of the optimum operation position depending on the walking abilities is needed.
Conclusion: It was suggested that the sideways position is optimal for walking with an IV pole when transporting with a total load of approximately 5.0 kg.Clinical Relevance- The results of this study help to prevent people from gait like fallers and the elderly when using IV poles in clinical settings.