Evaluation Of Efficacy & Efficiency In Implementing Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) As A Functionally Assistive Indoor Ambulatory Device For Motor Complete Thoracic Level (T10 –T12) Spinal Cord Injury In Males

Abstract

Abstract:- The objective was to evaluate walking velocity, walking endurance & energy expenditure in use of KAFOs over the alternative Aluminum Back Slab & Toe Raising Straps (ABS & TRS) on paraplegic (T10 –T12) ambulation which has not been performed among Sri Lankan patients. This was a case cross over study where fifteen, T10 – T12 motor complete paraplegic males who were practicing indoor ambulation with ABS & TRS & recommended to use KAFOs were recruited. A two weeks standardized ambulatory training was provided with either device prior to test. The 10 meter walk test, 6-minute walk test & physiological cost index (PCI) were used to assess walking velocity, walking endurance & energy expenditure respectively. Testing was done 6 weeks apart. A statistically significant difference was seen in walking velocity (z = -3.30, p = 0.001), with ABS & TRS having faster velocity. The walking endurance was significantly less (z = - 3.41, p = 0.001,) & the energy expenditure was significantly high (z = -3.41, p = 0.001) with KAFOs relative to ABS &TRS. The results are closely compatible with previous studies, but remarkably differed with values of healthy individuals in normal ambulation. The walking velocity & the walking endurance of participants were relatively greater with less energy expenditure during ambulation with ABS & TRS. Therefore, it is concluded that KAFOs have less efficacy & efficiency as a functional indoor ambulatory device over ABS & TRS in rehabilitation of T10 –T12 paraplegic males.