Article

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of induced knee
flexion during gait on the kinematics and temporal-spatial parameters during
walking by a patient with spinal cord injury (SCI) through the application of an
isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis (IRGO) with a powered knee mechanism.
METHODS: Two orthoses were considered and evaluated for an ISCI subject with a T8
level of injury. An IRGO was initially manufactured by incorporating drop lock
knee joints and was fabricated with custom molded AFOs to block ankle motion.
This orthosis was also adapted with electrically-activated knee joints to provide
active knee extension and flexion when disengaged. RESULTS: Walking speed, stride
length and cadence were increased 37.5%, 11% and 26%, respectively with the new
orthosis as compared to using the IRGO. The vertical and horizontal compensatory
motions reduced compared to mechanical IRGO. At end of stance phase, knee joint
flexion was 37.5 degrees for the AKIRGO compared to 7 degrees of movement when
walking with the IRGO. The overall pattern of walking produced was comparable to
that of normal human walking. CONCLUSION: Knee flexion during swing phase
resulted in an improved gait performance and also reduction in compensatory
motions when compared to a mechanical IRGO.

Langue : ANGLAIS