Effects of a walking orthosis on the walking ability of patients with spinal cord injury at L 2
10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-1424.2021.06.005
- VernacularTitle:步行矫形器对腰2节段A-B级脊髓损伤患者步行能力的影响
- Author:
Zhixi SHI
1
;
Kairong HUANG
;
Mingjian LIU
Author Information
1. 广东省工伤康复医院物理治疗科，广州 510440
- Keywords:
Walking;
Knee-ankle-foot orthoses;
Spinal cord injury at L 2;
Walking orthoses
- From:
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2021;43(6):504-507
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To compare the effect of a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) and a paraplegic walking orthosis (WO) on the walking ability and the physiological cost index (PCI) of persons suffering from AIS A-B spinal cord injury (SCI) at the L 2 level. Methods:Thirty subjects with AIS A-B SCI at L 2, aged 20 to 45, were assigned randomly into a KAFO group ( n=15) or a WO group ( n=15). All received muscle strength, range of motion, standing, balance and weight shifting training and training in the activities of daily life. Electrotherapy and acupuncture were also administered. Both groups underwent 60 minutes of walking training 6 times per week for 12 weeks, wearing either a KAFO or a WO. Step length, gait speed, step frequency, 10-metre walk time, 6-minute walk distance and PCI were compared after 2 and 12 weeks. Results:The average step length, gait speed, step frequency, 10-metre walk time, 6-minute walk distance and PCI of both groups had improved significantly between the 2-week and 12-week evaluations, with significantly greater average improvement among the WO group at both time points.Conclusion:A WO or KAFO facilitates better walking after an AIS A-B spinal cord injury at L 2. Wearing a WO is more effective than wearing a KAFO, on average.
