Obstacle Detection with the Long Cane: Effect of Cane Tip Design and Technique Modification on Performance

Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cane tip design and cane technique modification on obstacle detection performance as they interact with the size, height, and position of obstacles. Methods A repeated-measures design with block randomization was used for the study. In experiment one, participants attempted to detect obstacles with either a marshmallow tip or a bundu basher tip. In experiment two, participants were asked to detect obstacles using either the constant-contact technique or a modified constant-contact technique. Results As predicted, the obstacle detection rate with the bundu basher tip (M = 66.1%, SD = 7.4%) was significantly higher than that with the marshmallow tip (M = 54.6%, SD = 6.8%), F(1, 11) = 24.19, p, r = .83. However, contrary to our hypothesis, the obstacle detection rate with the modified constant-contact technique (M = 56.0%, SD = 7.4%) was significantly lower than that with the constant-contact technique (M = 61.3%, SD = 5.2%), F(1, 13) = 6.49, p = .024, r = .58. In addition, participants detected the obstacles that were positioned at the center of their walking path (M = 61.9%, SD = 6.6%) at a significantly higher rate than those positioned slightly off to the side (M = 55.4%, SD = 7.3%), F(1, 13) = 10.73, p = .006, r = .67. Discussion A bundu basher tip was more advantageous than the marshmallow tip for detecting obstacles. Implications for practitioners Given the findings of the study, cane users and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists should consider using or recommending a bundu basher tip (or a similar tip that has an increased contact area with the walking surface), particularly when the traveling environment often presents unexpected obstacles that may trip the cane user.

The Effect of the Color of a Long Cane Used by Individuals who Are Visually Impaired on the Yielding Behavior of Drivers

Introduction A new market trend offers long canes for individuals with visual impairments in a variety of colors; however, the impact of these colors is unknown to orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists and individuals who are blind or who have low vision. The authors examined the impact of cane color on drivers’ yielding behaviors; also, cane display effectiveness was assessed. Methods At traffic signal–controlled intersections, drivers’ yielding responses (yield–no yield and seconds to crosswalk) were recorded by two raters when a pedestrian presented one of two conditions (display and flagging) with four differently colored long canes (white, black, yellow, and green). Results In trials where the pedestrian used a flagging cane technique, the white cane achieved 290% more yielding than the green cane, 100% more yielding than the yellow cane, and 40% more yielding than the black. Statistical differences were found between the white-with-red cane and the yellow and green canes. The measure of drivers’ latency for moving forward was not statistically different between trials in which a pedestrian displayed a white cane at the crosswalk and trials in which no pedestrians were present. Discussion Cane color appears to have a substantial effect on drivers’ yielding responses. The results also indicate only a slight driver response to a highly visible cane display, confirming the results of previous studies that recommended more potent pedestrian movements to mitigate the threat from turning vehicles. Implications for practitioners O&M specialists and cane travelers need to consider the options for cane color when using a cane to cross streets. A white cane, flagged at the onset of the walk signal, can achieve more desirable responses from drivers than can the long canes of other colors. More effective cane behaviors exhibited by pedestrians who are visually impaired should always be considered by O&M instructors in order to influence drivers.

Biomechanical Movements in Experienced Cane users with and without Visual Impairments

Travelers with visual impairments and orientation and mobility (O&M) instructors were assessed in their performance of the two-point touch cane technique. Both groups deviated similarly from classical stipulations of the technique, having wider arc widths and hand positions off of midline. Measures of body coverage and rhythm were less than ideal. Foot placement preview was linked to several factors. The possibility of focusing more on coverage than on rhythm when assessing cane use is postulated.

Biomechanical Substrates of the Two-point Touch Cane Technique: A Review of Research

This article reviews research on the biomechanical elements related to the most commonly used long cane technique: two-point touch. The use of several natural biomechanical tendencies supports the contention that the technique is inherently efficient.

A Computer Profile of Mobility Coverage and a Safety Index

This article describes a model of mobility and the resulting software program that allows for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of cane coverage. The software program allows the mobility specialist to input micro-components of an individual's cane technique and a defined environmental situation. The software generates a graphically displayed coverage profile and a safety index (accident probability). Both model and program have broad implications in mobility for practice, research, and policy. Currently, the model is limited to cane-related skills and techniques and does not factor in such concepts as orientation, motivation, reaction time, and use of other senses.

The Application of Two-Point Touch Cane Technique to Theories of Motor Control and Learning Implications for Orientation and Mobility Training

Basic behavioral processes involved in motor control based on theories of motor control and learning are outlined using the teaching of two-point touch cane technique as an application of the theories. The authors believe that the keys to successful mobility training are repetition and correctly performed practice of each skill and sufficient learning time to facilitate overlearning and subsequent skill retention.

Modification of the Two-Point Touch Cane Technique: A Pilot Study

In this pilot study four subjects were observed to determine the extent of the natural movement of their centers of gravity in relation to arc height during the two-point touch cane technique. The subjects learned and practiced a modified technique using their center of gravity as much as possible. Analysis of the data revealed that each subject was, to some extent, able to incorporate the movement of the center of gravity into the two-point touch technique.

Cane Technique: Modifying the Touch Technique for Full Path Coverage

Measurements of height of cane hand, cane length, step size, and forearm length of 17 cane, using blind subjects were taken for the purpose of testing the hypothesis that the touch technique does not provide 100 percent path coverage. Percent path coverage for the touch technique and the modified technique of Uslan and Manning was compared. The modified technique offered the complete protection of full path coverage and afforded subjects information about a substantial area that the touch technique did not.