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Center of mass motion and the effects of ankle bracing on metabolic cost during submaximal walking trials
Author(s) -
Herndon Stephanie K.,
Bennett Bradford C.,
Wolovick Adam,
Filachek Andrew,
Gaesser Glenn A.,
Weltman Arthur,
Abel Mark F.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1002/jor.20292
Subject(s) - brace , ankle , metabolic cost , gait , physical medicine and rehabilitation , preferred walking speed , kinematics , bracing , power walking , energy cost , medicine , physical therapy , surgery , engineering , physics , mechanical engineering , architectural engineering , classical mechanics
The goal of this research was to examine the relationship between center of mass (CoM) motion and metabolic cost and to assess secondarily the effects of equinus gait on metabolic cost during walking trials at various velocities. Twelve ( n = 12) healthy male adults walked in four brace conditions, including fixed equinus, at three different walking speeds. Metabolic measures and 3D kinematic data were collected during each trial. Significant main effects for velocity were observed on both dependent measures, net O 2 cost ( p < 0.001), and CoM vertical excursion (CoMz) ( p < 0.01). Correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between net O 2 cost and CoMz that were strongest at fast velocities. Further, analysis revealed the cost of walking at a comfortable speed in the equine position was 28% greater than walking in braces without springs or springs in neutral position and 64% greater than walking in shoes alone. CoMz does correlate with metabolic cost as measured by net O 2 cost. Also, normal subjects walking in equinus have an increased net O 2 cost and increased CoMz when compared to walking with shoes alone or the other brace conditions at all velocities. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res