Functional ambulation in myelodysplasia: the effect of orthotic selection on physical and physiologic performance.
The metabolic demands of ambulation in a reciprocation gait orthosis (RGO) were compared with those in conventional bracing (hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis) and wheelchair use in eight myelodysplastic children. Heart rate was significantly increased during swing-through gait compared with that during wheelchair use (p less than 0.01). Oxygen consumption studies showed a significant increase in swing-through gait over that in wheelchair use. These values for RGO use approximated wheelchair use. These results suggest a more favorable prognosis for long-term functional ambulation in higher-level myelodysplastic patients if they are fitted with an RGO.
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion; D008297:Male; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D005082:Physical Exertion; D014910:Wheelchairs