Gait performance of paraplegics ambulating with the reciprocating gait orthosis powered by electrical muscle stimulation

Author

Solomonow, M. ; Baratta, R. ; Beaudette, P. ; Shoji, H. ; D´Ambrosia, R.

Author_Institution

Bioeng. Lab., Louisiana State Univ. Med. Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

fYear

1989

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to quantify the gait performance of six paraplegic patients fitted with the RGO (reciprocating gait orthosis) and powered by muscle stimulation for purposes of assessing the orthoses´ clinical efficiency. The data obtained indicate that the muscle-stimulation-powered orthosis provides paraplegics with an efficient means of walking independently on level surfaces. The average maximum performance time for completing a 7-ft distance was 1 min 45 s at an average velocity of 52.5 ft/min and average cadence of 45 steps/min. In addition to functional performance, the following results were obtained: reduction of spasticity in the leg muscle, reduction of incidence of bladder infections, feeling of high energy levels in daily life, restful sleep, and improved general outlook on daily life

Keywords

bioelectric phenomena; biomechanics; muscle; orthotics; 105 s; 7 ft; ambulating; bladder infections; cadence; efficient walking; electrical muscle stimulation; gait performance; leg muscle spasticity reduction; paraplegic patients; reciprocating gait orthosis; restful sleep; Biomedical engineering; Bladder; Electrical stimulation; Hip; Leg; Legged locomotion; Muscles; Orthopedic surgery; Orthotics; Testing;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 1989. Images of the Twenty-First Century., Proceedings of the Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in

Conference_Location

Seattle, WA

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/IEMBS.1989.96061

Filename

96061