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Energy Efficiency in Children With Myelomeningocele During Acute Use of Assistive Devices: A Pilot Study
Jennifer K Sansom1, Beverly D Ulrich2
11 Central Michigan University.
Insights
Walking aids increase energy needs for children with myelomeningocele. Walking poles are feasible, offering support with minimal energy cost, potentially helping them remain community ambulators.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Assistive technology
- Movement science
Background:
- Children with myelomeningocele face increased metabolic demands during ambulation.
- Approximately 50% transition to wheelchair use in adolescence/early adulthood due to these demands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine energy expenditure during acute use of assistive devices in children with myelomeningocele.
- To assess the feasibility of walking poles as an assistive device for this population.
Main Methods:
- Oxygen uptake was measured in eight children (ages 5-12) under four conditions: independent walking, walker, crutches, and poles.
- Net energy consumption and cost were analyzed for each condition.
Main Results:
- Walking with a walker significantly increased energy consumption compared to independent walking.
- Acute use of walking poles did not significantly differ from independent walking in energy consumption or cost.
- Assistive devices generally increased energy expenditure compared to independent walking.
Conclusions:
- Common assistive devices increase energy demands for children with myelomeningocele during walking.
- Walking poles are a feasible assistive device, requiring only a slight increase in energy expenditure.
- Poles may offer sufficient support to help children with myelomeningocele maintain community ambulation with practice.
Abstract:
Due to increased metabolic demands during walking, ∼50% of children with myelomeningocele transition to wheelchair use during adolescence/early adulthood. The purpose of our pilot study involving children with myelomeningocele was to determine: (a) energy expenditure needs during acute use of common assistive devices and (b) if walking poles are a feasible assistive device. Oxygen uptake was recorded for eight (5-12 years old) children in four conditions: independent, walker, crutches, and poles. Acute pole use did not significantly differ from independent walking net energy consumption or cost. Participants consumed more energy while walking with the walker than independently. Our pilot results suggest that (a) acute use of common assistive devices while walking increases energy consumption and cost versus independent and (b) poles are feasible assistive devices, resulting in slightly increased energy requirements. Poles may have provided "just enough" support with minimal change in energy requirements for our participants and, with practice, may enable children with myelomeningocele to remain community ambulators.
