Comparison of energy efficiency between Wearable Power-Assist Locomotor (WPAL) and two types of knee-ankle-foot orthoses with a medial single hip joint (MSH-KAFO)

This study compares the energy efficiency of a Wearable Power-Assist Locomotor (WPAL) with conventional knee-ankle-foot orthoses (MSH-KAFO) like HALO or Primewalk in patients with spinal cord injuries. The study found that WPAL requires less energy to walk compared to MSH-KAFO, suggesting it may be a practical robotics solution for patients with paraplegia. Participants were trained to walk with both MSH-KAFO and WPAL, and their energy expenditure was measured using physiological cost index (PCI), heart rate (HR), and modified Borg score during a 6-minute walk test.

• 1
  WPAL demonstrated greater energy efficiency compared to MSH-KAFO, indicating a lower gait demand.
• 2
  The difference in PCI, HR, and modified Borg score between MSH-KAFO and WPAL became significantly greater over time during the 6-minute walk, suggesting increased fatigue with MSH-KAFO.
• 3
  Participants achieved greater walking time and distance with WPAL compared to MSH-KAFO in consecutive walking challenges.