The physiological benefits of paraplegic orthotically aided walking

A group of first-time paraplegic users of a particular ambulatory orthosis was studied to assess the physiological benefits of changing from a wholly sedentary lifestyle to one which included regular periods of upright weight-bearing and walking. Little clinically apparent benefit was noted in respiratory mechanics. There was a subjective reduction in urinary tract infections, but without a corresponding reduction in the level of bacteria. A possible improvement in bone density was noted in a small subgroup. It is concluded that, at least in the shorter term, the physiological benefits to paraplegics of using walking orthoses are not as great as has generally been claimed in the literature.