Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion The Use of Hiking Sticks in the Mountains

First scientific paper I've seen on the use of hiking poles, with great information on proper use:

paper on poles

some highlights:

In order to have any benefits from telescopic sticks, they must be used with the
correct technique

The sticks must be height-adjustable and have handles that are constructed in a way
that the user's hands, when pressing down, firm support is provided

It has been shown that there is no significant difference in using one or two sticks when
walking without a load [1] , but when walking with a load, balance is significantly
enhanced by using two hiking sticks rather than one [2].

At high altitude or in cold environment the sticks should not be adjusted too long (the
hands should be lower than the elbow when using the stick), because otherwise the
circulation will be impaired and the user will get cold fingers in a very short time.

Thanks for posting the link, Ken.

Here's a quote:
"Use of adjustable sticks as a hiking aid, especially for downhill walking, is
advantageous and recommended in the following situations:
•   advanced age, excess body weight"

And I qualify in at least one of those categories.

Interesting disadvantage:
"Decreased sense of balance: Long-term use of sticks may reduce balance
and coordinative ability of the subject."

now I know what to blame for my poor skiing skills

Balance is certainly an issue. Last summer one of my hiking poles broke about half way through my hike and after weeks of use and mostly favoring my right side I began to have lower back pains on my left side from always working in one direction too much. I then started to favor the left for awhile then switched it up often and didn't have any more problems.

This article warrants a careful reading. It also concludes:

Correct Walking Techniques to Avoid Over-strain
In general it is easier - for motion-physiological reasons (proprio-receptor system) -
for healthy hikers to learn and maintain an elastic, safe and joint-relieving walking
technique without the aid of sticks, as opposed to regular stick use.
The following factors are important with regards the degree of strain put on the leg
joints:
• Body weight (excess weight)
• Weight of backpack
• Correct downhill walking technique
The hiker should spread the strain evenly by using elastic and shock-absorbing steps
over as long as possible. This means walking downhill with small, elastic steps at a
comfortable speed without running or jumping. Paths should be used taking the
bends, no short-cuts when walking downhill. Also, one should only undertake
mountain tours in proportion to one's own physical ability.
Following this advice, healthy hikers and climbers may avoid joint problems, even
after decades of intensive mountaineering.

I was always impressed when I attended the Sierra Peaks Section meetings of the Sierra Club. The more veteran members looked like they should all be in wheelchairs, and it impressed me that if one does things in a way that the body cannot tolerate over time, there is a price to pay.

I should talk though, as my injuries have caught up with me to a degree, and what I did even 5 years ago now seems a distant dream.

I'm amazed that I didn't do more damage to my knees when I was a 50+# backpack wearer. When I discovered ligherweight technique, it was like I'd begun a new sport.