title: Below-knee cast design and the energy cost of ambulation.
abstract: The influence of various aspects of the design of below-knee walking casts on the energy required for ambulation has been examined using a technique based on heart rate measurements. It was found that the effects of the weight of the cast and the shape of the sole applied were small compared with the effects of changing ankle angle or of increasing the overall thickness of the cast sole.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Mechanics, University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hamzeh
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bowker
authors.forename: D I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Rowley