Energy cost of paraplegic locomotion with the ORLAU ParaWalker

Abstract

Ten subjects with neurological lesion levels between T4 and T9 have been evaluated in the laboratory at ORLAU using their orthosis in its mechanical form alone (without FES assist). Initially the oxygen consumption at rest was measured. Then the patients were asked to walk (orthotic gait) at their preferred constant steady speed for a period of 5 minutes. Min. VO2 was measured during the exercise. From these readings the energy cost and consumption of the patients' gait was calculated. Our results show that the ParaWalker allows more efficient walking than do bilateral long leg braces and a paraplegic 3 point gait. It also shows that higher speeds with lower energy cost walking is possible with a different orthotic approach for high or mid thoracic lesion paraplegics. We believe that the energy demands to walk with the ParaWalker are within sustainable limits.