FES powered locomotion of paraplegics fitted with the LSU reciprocating gait orthoses (RGO)

Summary form only given, as follows. The LSU reciprocating gait orthoses (RGO) was fitted to a large population of paraplegics, allowing independent upright posture, balance and stability, execution of the swing phase in one leg simultaneously with push off of the contralateral leg, and unassisted ability to walk over moderate distances. A four-channel reciprocal muscle stimulator was applied to a group of paraplegics with the objective of improving the gait pattern and reducing the metabolic energy consumption. After six weeks of functional electrical stimulation (FES) exercise to the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, analysis shows that locomotion with the FES-RGO system reduces the patient's pulse rate by 11-17 pulses/minute, as well as improving the gait pattern by reduction of posterior pelvic tilt, floor clearance and postural balance. Subjective patient remarks strongly support the added value of the reciprocal FES stimulator. One C-5 paraplegic, who was unable to walk with the aid of the RGO alone, managed to become ambulatory once the FES stimulator was applied.