Energy cost and gait efficiency of below-knee amputee and normal subject with similar physical parameters and quality of life: a comparative case study

Biswas, Durbadal; Roy, Sukumar; Lenka, P.K. and Kumar, Ratnesh (2010) Energy cost and gait efficiency of below-knee amputee and normal subject with similar physical parameters and quality of life: a comparative case study. Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 (3). ISSN 0972-5997

Full text available as:

PDF - Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or other PDF viewer. 200 Kb

Abstract

The study focused on the comparative analysis of energy cost and gait efficiency between a below knee (BK) amputee and a reference subject (without amputation). It also attempted to indicate the specific feature responsible for a controlled gait with optimum energy cost for BK amputees. Selection criteria of the subjects were similar physical parameters and quality of life studied with WHOQOL-100 quality of life assessment. A Cosmed® k4 b2 Respiratory Analyzer system was used for the measurement of Oxygen Uptake (VO2), Energy Expenditure per minute (EE) and Heart Rate (HR). Gait efficiency (p < 0.0002) was found higher for BK amputee than normal subject. The therapeutic activities and mainly walking rhythm contributed to improve the mobility & balance. This ensures the optimum time & co-ordination of movements and hence improves the gait efficiency for the BK amputee. Comparison with control group was performed to validate the data.

Archive Staff Only: edit this record