Energy cost index as an estimate of energy expenditure of cerebral-palsied children during assisted ambulation.

The energy expenditure of cerebral-palsied children ambulating with bilateral quad canes and wheeled walkers was estimated, using average heart rate and speed of walking. An energy cost index (average number of heart rates per unit distance walked) was derived to allow for varying speeds among patients. Children were then categorized into those who had a lower energy cost index when using quad canes and those who had a lower index when using walkers. This made it possible to offer treatment recommendations based on objective data.