Comparison of new medial linkage reciprocating gait orthosis and isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis on energy consumption in paraplegic patients: a case series

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: As energy consumption during orthotics walking has main role in rehabilitation of walking in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), the aim of this study was comparison between new medial linkage orthosis (new MLO) and isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis (IRGO) on energy consumption in paraplegic patients. METHODS: Four people with motor incomplete SCI (mean age 34.5 years, mass 73 kg and height 175 cm with injury levels ranging from T8–T12) participated in this study. Gait evaluation was performed using new MLO compared with using conventional IRGO. Walking speed and heart rate were measured to calculate the physiological cost index (PCI) to estimate metabolic energy consumption. RESULTS: Reductions in energy consumption were observed using new MLO compared with using IRGO, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, walking distance and walking speed also improved, but not significantly. CONCLUSION: All subjects had faster speeds of walking, walked longer distances and had lower PCI when using new MLO compared to walking with IRGO. Consequently, this orthosis should be examined and considered with larger sample size.