Background: Ambulation using standard axillary crutches (SACs) is associated with increased energy expenditure (EE) and decreased gait speed compared to unassisted walking. A hands-free crutch (HFC) may represent an alternative to AC to decrease EE for those requiring assistive device to improve patient compliance and early-mobilization following lower limb injuries. The aim of this study was to compare EE and perceived exertion response using HFC to SAC’s. Methods: Twenty healthy (BMI<30 kg/m2) male and female adults (mean ± SD: age: 21.2±0.89 years; height: 172.9± 9.7 cm; weight: 69.3±13.16 kg) completed a 6-minute walk at 50m/min, an activities of daily living (ADL) course, and a two-flight stair climb with AC, HFC, and unassisted walking. The order of trial conditions was randomized. EE during each condition were obtained through indirect calorimetry using the COSMED K4b2 portable metabolic system, HR responses were recorded using the Polar (T31) monitor, and perceived exertion was rated using the Borg 6-20 RPE scale. Results: EE was significantly (p<0.05) lower when completing all tests unassisted compared to HFC or SACs. EE was significantly lower using the HFC (5.39 ± 1.22 kcal/min) when compared to SACs (6.59 ± 1.73 kcal/min) during the 50m/min walk. EE during ADLs or stair ascension when using HFC or SAC was not significantly different from another. RPE scores were significantly lower when using the HFC compared to SAC in all tests performed. Conclusion: These findings suggest that HFC may offer a more energy efficient alternative to SAC during walking, which could help to promote patient compliance and early mobilization to improve recovery. Future research should investigate whether these differences persist in injured or diseased states.
Authors: Daniel J. Canter, Dillon J. Canter, Timothy P. Finucan, Paul T. Reidy, PhD, Kyle L. Timmerman, PhD
Advisor: Kyle Timmerman Kinesiology
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