An assessment of the ORLAU ParaWalker-electrical stimulation hybrid orthosis

Reciprocal locomotion with the ParaWalker was augmented by surface electrical stimulation of stance side gluteal muscles in three subjects. Crutch impulse and energy cost measurement revealed a considerable reduction in the vertical crutch impulse (mean 21%) and moderate reduction in the energy cost of their locomotion (mean 7.1%) with electrical stimulation. Cocontraction of anterior abdominal wall musculature hindered achievement of maximal contraction of the gluteal muscles. Subjects also found difficulty in accessing the electrodes sites and self-adhesive electrodes became loose due to perspiration. The hybrid orthotic system seems worth considering because in the long-term, stimulation of gluteal muscles may have a beneficial physiological effect