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Reciprocal aided gait in paraplegia
1Cumberland College of Health Sciences, NSW, Australia.
Paraplegia
|July 1, 1990
Summary
This study on paraplegics using an alternate four-point gait found it to be slow. High joint moments in the upper limbs were observed during crutch use.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Paraplegics often use walking aids for ambulation.
- Understanding the biomechanics of gait is crucial for optimizing assistive device use and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the biomechanics of an alternate four-point gait in male paraplegics.
- To quantify axial load, upper limb joint displacements, and joint moments during gait.
Main Methods:
- Nine male paraplegics experienced with walking aids participated.
- Data collected included axial load through crutches and upper limb joint kinematics and kinetics.
- Analysis focused on the stance phase of the alternate four-point gait.
Main Results:
- The alternate four-point gait was characterized by a slow cadence and prolonged load transmission through crutches.
- Significantly high moments were calculated about the elbow and shoulder joints during ground contact.
Conclusions:
- The alternate four-point gait imposes considerable stress on the upper limb joints of paraplegic individuals.
- Further research may explore gait modifications or alternative assistive devices to mitigate upper limb joint loading.