Energy Expenditure of Ambulation Using the Sure-Gait@ Crutch and the Standard Mary Crutch

Energy eqenditwe is increaced f m amhulation with uarious assistiue devices such as cunes, walkm, and crutches compared with unassisted ambulation. Thepur-pose of the present inr~estigation was to determine whether a signzjicunt dzference in oxygen consumption and heart rate existed during ambulation with two dif-For many patients who must ambulate meet the metabolic demand5 of non-weight bearing (NWB) on one assisted gait. In elderly patients, who lower extremity, the energy expendi- generally are less strong and have ture during gait may be a limiting poorer endurance than younger aspect to activity. Patients who use patients, prolonged crutch walking crutches or canes may have physical may be impossible. limitations that impair their ability t