Decreased energy cost and improved gait pattern using a new orthosis in persons with long-term stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To measure energy cost and gait analysis in persons with stroke with and without a newly developed orthosis.


METHODS
Immediate and long-term (3wk) intervention (before-after trial).


METHODS
University medical center.


METHODS
Volunteer sample of 27 persons with long-term (range, 0.6-19y) hemiparetic stroke.


METHODS
Three-week familiarization to the new walking aid.


METHODS
Energy cost (per distance walked), preferred walking speed (PWS), and step length. Energy cost was examined in all subjects while walking on a treadmill at 3 different velocities (PWS, PWS+30%, PWS-30%) during 3 different situations (without orthosis, with orthosis, after 3-wk orthosis familiarization). Spatiotemporal aspects of the gait pattern were examined using a 6-m instrumented walkway system.


RESULTS
Using the orthosis immediately decreased energy cost in persons with stroke during walking at the PWS (P<.001) and significantly increased walking speed (P<.005) and step length (P<.001). After 3 weeks of familiarization to the orthosis, energy cost at the PWS and at PWS+30% showed further improvement in energy cost (P<.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The newly developed orthosis immediately decreases energy cost and improves walking speed and step length in persons with long-term stroke. After only 3 weeks of orthosis familiarization, energy cost shows additional improvement.
Thijssen
Dick H
DH
Department of Physiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Paulus
Rebecca
R
van Uden
Caro J
CJ
Kooloos
Jan G
JG
Hopman
Maria T
MT
D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010291:Paresis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology