Biomechanical comparison of two paraplegic gait patterns

A study is presented comparing the kinetic and kinematic characteristics of two gait patterns in common use by paraplegics. Data were collected using a combined kinetic and kinematic process from a total of 14 subjects with lesion of the spinal cord. Significant differences were derived for gait velocity and for the axial load transmission by the walking aids in both gaits. The cumulative effect of load transmission on the upper limb joints did not display clear differences between gaits. Load and moment impulse values over a given test distance were consistently greater using a swing-to gait than a swing-through gait, although the differences were not always statistically significant. It is suggested that closer consideration of the biomechanical demands of aided gait should be undertaken prior to the selection and training of paraplegic gait patterns.