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Cardiovascular responses during nonweight-bearing and touchdown ambulation
Physical Therapy
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Touchdown (TD) walking with crutches is physiologically less demanding than non-weight-bearing (NWB) walking. TD ambulation may be a better choice for individuals with limited exercise capacity due to lower heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Non-weight-bearing (NWB) and touchdown (TD) ambulation are common mobility techniques using axillary crutches.
- Understanding the physiological demands of each is crucial for patient management and exercise prescription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare key physiological responses during NWB and TD ambulation.
- To determine the energetic cost and cardiovascular strain associated with each gait type.
Main Methods:
- Ten subjects ambulated for five minutes using NWB and TD techniques at controlled speeds (approx. 48.5 m/min).
- Physiological measures included heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, and perceived exertion.
- Myocardial oxygen consumption was estimated using heart rate and double product (systolic blood pressure x heart rate).
Main Results:
- Oxygen consumption and systolic blood pressure were comparable between NWB and TD ambulation.
- Heart rate and estimated myocardial oxygen consumption were significantly higher during NWB ambulation.
- Increased isometric exercise in upper and lower extremities during NWB contributed to higher physiological strain.
Conclusions:
- TD ambulation requires less physiological effort than NWB ambulation.
- For deconditioned individuals or those with limited exercise capacity, TD ambulation may be a more suitable and sustainable mobility option.