Authors (including presenting author) :
Li SL(1), Man SW(2), Chung KWD(1), Chan CMA(3), Chan WLD(3), Yung WIW(3)
Affiliation :
(1) Prosthetics and Orthotics Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, (2) Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, (3)Physiotherapy Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Introduction :
Patients with lower limb injuries or operations are often prescribed with non-weight bearing of the affected limb during rehabilitation. Walking aids are often used to optimize mobilization. Different walking aids are available, such as canes, walkers, crutches, which share loading to upper limbs in order to reduce overloading of the contralateral healthy lower limb. If upper limb pathology also exists or single leg hopping is not feasible, a period of immobilization is expected which hinder rehabilitation. Recently, a knee bearing crutch that required no hands involvement during ambulation is available. However, studies compare energy efficiency between using hand-free knee crutch with other walking aids is limited. The effort required for ambulation may affect patient’s willingness and ability of ambulation.
Objectives :
This study is to investigate the different in energy efficiency and perceived exertion between using elbow crutches and hand-free knee crutch during single leg non-weight ambulation
Methodology :
This is a cross-section study. Healthy subjects were recruited to perform walking tests in random order under three conditions: normal unaided walking, single leg non-weight bearing walking with hand-free knee crutch, and single leg non-weight bearing walking with bilateral elbow crutches. Walking speed, baseline heart rate and heart rate at the end of walking test, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were record and Energy Expenditure Index (EEI) was found.
Result & Outcome :
Walking speed of using either crutches are significantly slower than normal walking while there is no significant different of using either knee or elbow crutches. Significant lower EEI (p< 0.01) and RPE (p < 0.01) of using knee crutches compared with using elbow crutches.
The results show that individuals using knee crutches are more efficient and perceived less exertion than elbow crutches for level ground ambulation.
