The fundamental requirements for successful human gait have been identified, the orthotic compensations necessary for its reproduction in an acceptable form by complete thoracic level paraplegics are proposed and a possible solution is described. Continuous research has developed the Parawalker solution beyond purely mechanical limits to provide electronic 'assists' as a hybrid orthosis. This still adheres to the fundamentals identified, but allows the objective of lowering the energy cost of walking to be pursued.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Stallard J., Major RE, Poiner R., Farmer IR, Jones N.Engineering design considerations of the Orlau ParaWalker and FES hybrid system . Eng Med1986; 15: 123-29.
2.
Major RE, Stallard J., Rose GKThe dynamics of walking using the hip guidance orthosis (HGO) with crutches . Prosth Orthot Int1981; 5: 19-22.
3.
Butler PB, Major RE, Patrick JHThe technique of reciprocal walking using the hip guidance orthosis (HGO) with crutches. Prosth Orthot Int1984; 8: 33-38.
4.
Patrick JH, Edwards DEClinical notebook: stepping out in style. Therapy Weekly1986; 4(Sept):4.
Hoffer MM, Fiwell E., Perry R., Bonnett C.Functional ambulation in patients with myelomeningocoele. J Bone Joint Surg1973; 55-A: 137-48.
7.
Asher M., Olson J.Factors affecting the ambulatory status of patients with spina bifida cystica . J Bone Joint Surg1983 ; 65-A: 350-56.
8.
Nene AV, Patrick JHEnergy cost of paraplegic locomotion using the Orlau ParaWalker. Paper given at International Medicial Society of Paraplegia Scientific Meeting, Stoke Mandeville, May 1987.
9.
Rose GK, Sankarankutty M., Stallard J.A clinical review of orthotic treatment of myelomeningocele patients. J Bone Joint Surg1983; 65-B: 242-46.
10.
Rose GK, Stallard J., Sankarankutty M.Clinical evaluation of spina bifida patients using hip guidance orthosis. Dev Med Child Neurol1981; 23: 30-40.
11.
Patrick JH, McClelland MRLow energy cost reciprocal walking for the adult paraplegic. Paraplegia1985; 23: 113-17.
