Energy cost of paraplegic locomotion using the ParaWalker--electrical stimulation "hybrid" orthosis.

摘要: In an adult paraplegic walking with the ParaWalker, electrical stimulation of stance-side gluteal muscles (gluteus maximus and medius) reduces force applied through crutches during gait cycle. this study, five posttrauma, fully rehabilitated, complete men walked using their ParaWalkers both without augmentation. Oxygen consumption distance covered test period were monitored to derive speed (m s-1), energy cost (J kg-1 m-1), s-1). With ParaWalker-electrical "hybrid" orthosis, three subjects increased (10.92%, 7.85%, 9.27%) two reduced it (4.49% 9.36%). Energy was in four (6.47%, 7.93%, 6.92%, 7.97%) but remained same for fifth. (0.82%, 11.06%, 0.38%, 10.28%) one subject (4.19%). Results better than those a previous study locomotion functional long-leg braces. Although augmentation yields only small reduction cost, its long-term physiologic effect could be significant increasing aerobic-anaerobic threshold individual via recruitment large like gluteus medius, thereby performance sustained activity walking.