Walking aids can effectively ameliorate or keep the walking ability and balance ability of the elderly individuals. However, long-term assisted walking will have adverse effects on the musculoskeletal system of the upper extremities. This paper reviews the effects of bimanual-operated unpowered walking aids on the user's upper extremities from the perspectives of kinematics, kinetics and electromyography, along with a brief overview of the relationship between unpowered walking aids use and upper extremities injuries. The effects of changing the walking aids construction on the upper extremities are compared and further summarized. This work could provide a theoretical reference for the personalized designing and instructions of walking aids for the elderly individuals.

walking aids  /  elderly individuals  /  upper extremities  /  kinematics  /  biomechanics