Driving Segway: A Musculoskeletal Investigation

Segways offer elderly users an opportunity to increase their mobility range and may also be useful as a training device. As of yet, very little is known about muscular activity during Segway use. Hence, the aim of this pilot study was to investigate the muscular strain during the use of Segways. For this purpose, 15 study participants were equipped with EMG measuring devices on rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior and biceps brachii of the right half of the body. Following maximum strength tests, the participants completed a defined course once on foot and three times on a Segway. The averaged EMG data during walking and Segway use were compared. The results show that the use of Segways leads to muscle activity. No statistically significant differences were found between the average muscular strain of the lower body muscles caused by walking and using a Segway. The systematic use of Segways may be an attractive option for the development of physical training programs to prevent falls.