Drop-Off Detection in the Touch Technique

Using a theoretical model of walking with the cane, drop-off detection in the touch technique was analyzed. Sufficient cane length for detecting curb drop-offs was found to be measurable and a chart was generated to enable the practitioner to determine cane length easily. Synchronous walking, called “in-step,” was shown to be advantageous when approaching the rounded part of a corner down-curb. For locating downcurbs, the cane is a reasonably efficient drop-off detector when compared to its obstacle detection characteristics.