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• MUCH
SAFER, MORE STABLE
Stabilizing the crutch behind the user (SCBU) prevents the crutch from slipping out from under the arm. SCBU crutch use is more vertical, allowing a greater percentage of the crutch tip to make contact with the surface. Of major importance, no direct downward force is applied to the inside of the crutch tips as is the case when conventional crutches are held against the sides of the body. This makes a big difference on hard, slippery, or wet surfaces. • ELIMINATES UNDERARM IRRITATION Instead of creating friction with a large rubber pad area, the aim is to reduce as much friction as possible by use of a smooth curved surface. Thus underarm irritation and soreness are eliminated. SCBU reduces the risk of axillary nerve damage. • LESS MUSCLE STRESS AND FATIGUE SCBU allows a person to keep his arms straight, favoring the use of the larger triceps and pectoral muscles and preventing the up and down motions caused by bent elbows. Conventional axillary crutches require an elbow angle of 10 to 30 degrees of flexion. Because the smaller arm muscles such as elbow extensors are not functionally designed for supporting the body's weight, they fatigue more rapidly than the larger muscles. • ENERGY SAVINGS Much less metabolic energy is required because the crutch doesn't have to be held in by the arms. If you want to go in a forward motion, it is very inefficient to require lateral forces at 90 degrees to hold the crutch against the side of the body. By SCBU, the downward forces applied to the crutch handle assist or complement the forward motion. • IMPROVES SPEED AND RANGE Gait analysis studies show ambulation on conventional axillary crutches is customarily at 50% the speed of a slow walk. When SCBU 80% the speed of a slow walk is the norm. This is made possible by the increase in length of stride, overall smoothness of gait, and the use of only the larger muscles. The length of each stride is increased by two to three inches as a result of a six inch longer lever created by SCBU. • EASY TO LEARN The SCBU crutch and user are in a more upright position, i.e., a person is able to stand more erect and not lean forward. This upright body position improves balance, as well as providing a much smoother, safer transition from one step to the next. • EASY TO USE People who previously found conventional crutches impossible to use can use a SCBU. Only minimum training is required. A person can easily experience the difference by using one conventional crutch and one SCBU crutch at the same time. • HOPE HANDLE The hope crutch handle is much more comfortable than a conventional crutch handle. It is designed to reduce stress on the hand and wrist. |