Influence of Reciprocating Link When Using an Isocentric Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (IRGO) on Walking in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study.

Studies collectively imply that the reciprocal link has no effect on walking when using reciprocating gait orthoses (RGOs). There may be differences between the 2 configurations of the RGO (eg, isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis [IRGO] and IRGO without reciprocating link), but the specific benefits and problems encountered in their use must be understood. To highlight more evidence for the mechanical function of the reciprocal link in RGOs used for walking by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Nine people with SCI participated in this study. Gait analysis was performed in 2 conditions (walking with IRGO and walking with IRGO without reciprocating link) in a random order. The Vicon digital capture system was used to obtain kinematic data. There were significant differences between each orthotic configuration in terms of speed of walking ( = .029), step length ( = .048), hip joint range of motion (ROM) ( ≤ .001), and lateral and vertical compensatory motions ( ≤ .001). There was no significant difference between each orthotic configuration in cadence ( = .162). The reciprocating link in IRGO improved the walking parameters in SCI patients.