title: Energy cost, exercise intensity, and gait efficiency of standard versus rocker-bottom axillary crutch walking.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in selected biomechanical and physiological measurements and subjective preferences for ambulation with the standard single-tip axillary crutch versus the rocker-bottom-type axillary crutch. Self-selected walking velocities (S-SWVs) and stride length for each crutch type were determined for a two-point, non-weight-bearing, swing-through gait in 24 healthy volunteers. Relative exercise intensity, oxygen uptake (VO2), and gait efficiency were assessed for each crutch type at both S-SWVs. Subjects negotiated two architectural barriers (stairs and ramp) and completed a subjective questionnaire concerning crutch preferences. Walking with either crutch type resulted in slower S-SWVs, greater VO2, higher relative exercise intensity, and reduced gait efficiency compared with values for normal unassisted ambulation. An analysis of variance for these variables revealed nonsignificant between-crutch differences. Based on the subjective data, a preference for the standard single-tip crutch was evident. Within the scope of the study, the results supported no apparent advantage relative to energy expenditure to using the rocker-bottom crutch.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Y M
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Minton
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Motley
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Rowley
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Wadsworth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003446:Crutches; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans