A reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO) is, among others, the most widely
adopted device to restore the standing and walking capability of parap
legic patients. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the
energy demand (VO2), and cardiopulmonary load (HR and VE) imposed on
the subject by different working tasks while sitting in a wheelchair o
r standing using a RGO. In addition, a comparison with the performance
of normal subjects was also attempted. The RGO use allowed a dramatic
improvement of patients' mobility and reach space in the workplace. A
further advantage provided by the use of the RGO was represented by t
he increased mobility of the subjects with respect to the wheelchair c
onfined situation. The energy demand and the cardiorespiratory load im
posed on the subjects by the use of the RGO were not different from th
ose observed both in the same subjects sitting in a wheelchair and in
the controls. The energy demand slightly exceeded the values typical o
f light work and was, thus, compatible with the normal duration of a w
orking day. On the other hand, the cardiac load corresponded to that t
ypical of moderate activity, thus Limiting the duration of the working
task to 5-8 h. Based on the ergometry test, all of the working activi
ties considered can be classified as aerobic activities, energy demand
being under the ventilatory threshold.