The World’s Most Comfortable Elbow Crutch

The Elbow crutch is a result of an extensive Ergonomidesign R&D project financed by the Swedish National Board for Technical Development, in close cooperation with physiotherapists. This case shows how thorough research has the potential to generate innovations that last over time.

When the legs are unable to support the trunk, crutches are used instead of canes. The load is transmitted to the hands and arms and can equal half the bodyweight.

The problem was that people couldn't walk with crutches simply because of the pain in their hands. The team studied how people actually used their crutches, long-term users as well as short-term users with temporary conditions. A total of 32 people took part in the study.

Ergonomidesign designed a test crutch which could be adjusted for different people. All the angles could be changed individually, and different handles substituted. It turned out that the adjustments that people made to the test crutch were related to the gait pattern of the user. For the first time it was possible for people with severe walking difficulties to adjust the elbow crutch according to their capabilities and a slow and cautious gait pattern. The difference in the pain experienced was considerable and one person even asked if she could keep the test rig.

Our research showed that there was a need for a completely new type of crutch for people with a slow and cautious gait pattern. Design concepts were made for two new crutches for different walking techniques.

The crutches’ sculptural beauty and functionality created a lot of media attention and in 1985 a whole series of new walking aids designed by Ergonomidesign were awarded at the 2nd International Design Competition by the Japan Design Foundation.

The elbow crutch was put in production in 2008 by Popab, more than 20 years after the end of the project and it is still unique. “As a designer, persistence really pays off sometimes!”

Read more about Ingrid Elbow Crutch here.