PHYSIOLOGICAL COSTS OF RECIPROCAL GAIT IN FES ASSISTED WALKING

This study reports the velocity and physiologic cost index (PCI) of am bulation using a functional electrical stimulation (FES) system for am bulation in paraplegic spinal cord injured subjects. Using established techniques, average velocity and heart rate (HR) were measured on fiv e subjects trained with the Parastep(R) system. PCI was reported for t he four subjects who achieved a steady state during ambulation with th e Parastep(R) system. It was found that walking performance varied gre atly between subjects, and was correlated to frequency of use of the s ystem. Velocity of walking with the Parastep(R) system ranged from 4.6 to 24.3 m/min. In the four subjects where steady state was achieved, PCI ranged from 2.30 to 6.26 beats/m. The average walking speed and PC I were similar to the values reported using alternative mechanical or hybrid systems available to the spinal cord injured for restoration of upright locomotion.