ENERGY-EXPENDITURE OF PARAPLEGIC PATIENTS STANDING AND WALKING WITH 2 KNEE-ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSES

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 65  (3) , 121-124
Abstract
To determine which kind of knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) is more efficient, energy expenditure in standing, walking with a walker and walking with crutches by 8 subjects was measured using the Scott-Craig KAFO, and a single-stopped long-leg KAFO. All subjects had complete motor paralysis below the level of their lesion and had been fully trained to use KAFO. Every subject used both types of KAFO, and energy expenditure per min and per meter traveled was measured by O2 consumption. No significant difference in energy expenditure appeared during standing. During ambulation, however, mean energy expenditure was less with the Scott-Craig KAFO than with the single-stopped type: 31% less kcal/m with a walker and 25% less kcal/min with crutches. Evidently, the Scott-Craig KAFO is more energy-efficient than the single-stopped long-leg KAFO.

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