Relationship Between Eye-Hand Coordination and Learning of Crutch Use: A Dual-Task Paradigm

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between eye-hand coordination and the attentional demands of bilateral axillary crutch use. Methods: Sixteen young participants completed five crutch training sessions based on a four-point gait. The percentiles for the category ＂Aiming and Catching＂ on the Movement Assessment Battery of Children-second version was examined at baseline to serve as the index of eye-hand coordination. Performance of dual tasks (walking with a crutch and mathematical computation) was evaluated repetitively at baseline and during training sessions. The attentional demands of crutch use were indicated by the decrement in mathematical performance during the execution of dual tasks. Results: There was a decrement in mathematical performance during the execution of dual tasks on the first two baseline tests (p=.001). This decrement disappeared during the training sessions. There was a fair and negative relationship between eye-hand coordination and attentional demands of crutch use (r=-.274, p=.004).Conclusion: It is recommended that eye-hand coordination be assessed and patients undergo practice sessions before using their walking aid in real life. More patient populations and broader assessments of coordination should be included in future studies.