Ambulation using the reciprocating gait orthosis and functional electrical stimulation.

Until recently, rehabilitation engineering offered 2 different methods to improve daily living independence for spinal cord paralyzed subjects. One, the use of various orthotics and the other, the application of functional electrical stimulation. In the present work we chose to combine reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO) with functional electrical stimulation (FES) into one hybrid system. A detailed biomechanical and clinical instruction for the use of this system is given. Results obtained from application of the hybrid system on a complete T4 paraplegic patient demonstrate that the most significant contribution was the reduced invested energy cost required for stand-up and for ambulation.