Oxygen Uptake During Exoskeletal-Assisted Walking in Persons With Paraplegia

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the cardiometabolic demands associated with exoskeletal-assisted walking (EAW) in persons with paraplegia. This study will further examine if training in the device for 60 sessions modifies cost of transport (CT). DesignProspective cohort study. Measurements over the course of a 60-session training program, approximately 20 sessions apart. SettingJames J. Peters Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury Research Center. ParticipantsThe participants’ demographics (N=5) were 37-61 years old, body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 22.7-28.6, level of injury from T1-T11, and 2-14 years since injury. InterventionsPowered EAW. Main Outcome MeasuresOxygen consumption per unit time (V˙O2, mL/min/kg), velocity (m/min), cost of transport (V˙O2/velocity), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). ResultsWith training: EAW velocity significantly improved (Pre: 51±51m; 0.14±0.14m/s vs Post: 99±42m; 0.28±0.12m/s, P=.023), RPE significantly decreased (Pre: 13±6 vs Post: 7±4, P=.001), V˙O2 significantly improved (Pre: 9.76±1.23 mL/kg/m vs Post: 12.73±2.30 mL/kg/m, P=.04), and CT was reduced from the early to the later stages of training (3.66±5.2 vs 0.87±0.85 mL/kg/m). ConclusionsThe current study suggests that EAW training improves oxygen uptake efficiency and walking velocities, with a lower perception of exertion.