%0 Journal Article
%T Drop-off detection with the long cane: effect of cane shaft weight and rigidity on performance
%J Ergonomics
%D 2016
%A Kim, Dae Shik
%A Wall Emerson, Robert
%A Naghshineh, Koorosh
%A Auer, Alexander
%V 60
%N 1
%P 59-68
%X Most travellers who are blind rely on a long cane to detect drop-offs on their walking paths. We examined how different cane shaft materials affect drop-off detection performance through providing different vibrotactile and proprioceptive feedbacks to the cane user. <br><br>RESULTS of the study showed a significant interaction between cane shaft weight and how the cane is used. A heavier cane was advantageous for detecting drop-offs when the individual used the 'constant contact technique' - cane tip stays in contact with the walking surface at all times - but not when he used the 'two-point touch technique' - cane tip is rhythmically tapped on the surface. In addition, a more flexible cane was advantageous for detecting drop-offs when the two-point touch technique was used but not when the constant contact technique was used. It is recommended that, when blind individuals select a cane shaft material, they consider which long cane technique they use more often. Practitioner Summary: Long cane shaft material affects how well a blind individual can detect drop-offs. A heavier shaft was advantageous when using the constant contact technique (cane tip stays in continuous contact with the surface), while a more flexible shaft was better when using the two-point touch technique (cane tip rhythmically taps the surface).<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Informa - Taylor and Francis Group
%@ 0014-0139
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2016.1171403