A medial linkage orthosis to assist ambulation after spinal cord injury

Abstract

A 'proof of concept' prototype of a new device to link bilateral knee- ankle-foot orthoses, the Mooring Medial Linkage Orthosis (Moorong MLO), is presented. The device consists of an arcuate sliding link centred on the hip joints with rolling element bearings to miniraise friction. A single repeated-measures case study is reported in which a woman with an incomplete C6 tetraplegia ambulated over different surfaces and gradients using both the Moorong MLO and the Walkabout orthosis. Results demonstrated a slight increase in gait velocity in the Moorong MLO (between 0.36-1.02m/min faster) and a consistently lower oxygen cost across all conditions (between 18-61% reduction) compared to the Walkabout orthosis. The reduction was most noticeable on sloping surfaces. These preliminary results suggest an improved efficiency of ambulation in this new device.