Internal work measurement and simultaneous oxygen consumption of impaired and normal walking.

Abstract

This study evaluated the ability of two different methods of measuring mechanical work, absolute power (AP) and absolute work (AW), to distinguish between normal and impaired gait. The relation between these two measures was examined as well as their relation to oxygen consumption. Global work measures from all three were compared and, in the case of the absolute power method individual joint power curves of the ankle, knee and hip, for normal and two impaired conditions were examined. Four subjects of each gender were examined for one full gait cycle, by three video cameras, over two AMTI force platforms, under three conditions; normal, locked knee and locked ankle. Oxygen consumption was measured with a TEEM 100 unit carried by the subject in a "fanny" pack. Five normal gait and one trial of each impaired condition were analysed. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)