Energy expenditure of ambulation using the Sure-Gait crutch and the standard axillary crutch.

Energy expenditure is increased for ambulation with various assistive devices such as canes, walkers, and crutches compared with unassisted ambulation. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether a significant difference in oxygen consumption and heart rate existed during ambulation with two different types of crutches. Ten healthy male subjects between the ages of 40 and 60 years participated in this study. Each subject ambulated at 1.5 mph on a treadmill using two different types of crutches--the standard axillary crutch and the Sure-Gait crutch. After walking on the treadmill without an assistive device, subjects ambulated using a three-point, swing-to gait pattern with one of the two types of crutches. This procedure was repeated using the other type of crutch. Oxygen consumption and heart rate were analyzed using an analysis of variance for repeated measures design. The results of the study showed a significant difference (p less than .01) between ambulation with crutches and unassisted ambulation for oxygen consumption and heart rate. No difference, however, was found between the two crutch types.