Nimesh Patel1, Timothy Batten2, Andrew Roberton2, Doyo Enki3, Guy Wansbrough2, James Davis2. 1. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Torbay Hospital, Torquay TQ2 7AA, UK. Electronic address: Dr.nimeshpatel1@gmail.com. 2. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Torbay Hospital, Torquay TQ2 7AA, UK. 3. Department of Health Statistics, Plymouth University, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Following foot and ankle surgery, patients may be required to mobilise non-weight bearing, requiring a walking aid such as crutches, walking frame or a Stride-on rehabilitation scooter, which aims to reduce the amount of work required. The energy consumption of mobilising using a Stride-on scooter has not previously been investigated, and we aim to establish this. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers (5 males:5 females) aged 20-40 years mobilised independently, then with each mobility device for 3min at 1km/h on a treadmill, with rest periods, whilst undergoing Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET). Oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide excretion (VCO2), minute ventilation (MV), respiratory rate (RR) and pulse (HR) were measured at baseline, and after 3min of walking, without and with all 3 devices. Wilcoxon signed rank test was carried out to calculate significance with non-parametric values with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Three-point crutch mobilisation demonstrated significant increases in VO2 (0.7L), VCO2 (0.7L), MV (16.7L/min), pulse (24.8bpm) and RR (11.4breaths/min) compared to walking (p<0.05). Mobilisation with a frame produced significant (p<0.05) increases compared to walking; VO2 (0.7L), VCO2 (0.7L), MV (18.3L/min), pulse (35.9bpm), and RR (11.7breaths/min). Tests using the Stride-on demonstrated no significant increase compared to walking with regards to VO2 (0.1L; p=0.959), VCO2 (0.2L; p=0.332), pulse (10.1bpm; p=0.575), and RR (4.7breaths/min; p=0.633). The MV was significantly higher compared to walking (4.3L/min; p<0.05). DISCUSSION: Energy required for unit distance ambulation with a Stride-on device is similar to walking, and significantly lower than with a walking frame in single legged stance and three-point crutch mobilisation. This justifies its use as part of routine practice aiding early mobilisation of patients requiring restricted weight bearing or single legged weight bearing, especially in those with reduced cardio-pulmonary reserve as it is less physiologically demanding and does not rely on upper body strength.
BACKGROUND: Following foot and ankle surgery, patients may be required to mobilise non-weight bearing, requiring a walking aid such as crutches, walking frame or a Stride-on rehabilitation scooter, which aims to reduce the amount of work required. The energy consumption of mobilising using a Stride-on scooter has not previously been investigated, and we aim to establish this. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers (5 males:5 females) aged 20-40 years mobilised independently, then with each mobility device for 3min at 1km/h on a treadmill, with rest periods, whilst undergoing Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET). Oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide excretion (VCO2), minute ventilation (MV), respiratory rate (RR) and pulse (HR) were measured at baseline, and after 3min of walking, without and with all 3 devices. Wilcoxon signed rank test was carried out to calculate significance with non-parametric values with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Three-point crutch mobilisation demonstrated significant increases in VO2 (0.7L), VCO2 (0.7L), MV (16.7L/min), pulse (24.8bpm) and RR (11.4breaths/min) compared to walking (p<0.05). Mobilisation with a frame produced significant (p<0.05) increases compared to walking; VO2 (0.7L), VCO2 (0.7L), MV (18.3L/min), pulse (35.9bpm), and RR (11.7breaths/min). Tests using the Stride-on demonstrated no significant increase compared to walking with regards to VO2 (0.1L; p=0.959), VCO2 (0.2L; p=0.332), pulse (10.1bpm; p=0.575), and RR (4.7breaths/min; p=0.633). The MV was significantly higher compared to walking (4.3L/min; p<0.05). DISCUSSION: Energy required for unit distance ambulation with a Stride-on device is similar to walking, and significantly lower than with a walking frame in single legged stance and three-point crutch mobilisation. This justifies its use as part of routine practice aiding early mobilisation of patients requiring restricted weight bearing or single legged weight bearing, especially in those with reduced cardio-pulmonary reserve as it is less physiologically demanding and does not rely on upper body strength.
Authors: David C Kingston; Sarah Ferwerda; Curtis Fontaine; Marhanda Keeping; Jeffrey Stewart; Rachel Ward; Jenelle Zapski; Kassondra Collins; Samuel K Essien; Audrey R Zucker-Levin Journal: Foot Ankle Orthop Date: 2021-03-19
Authors: Cuyler Dewar; Terry L Grindstaff; Brooke Farmer; Morgan Sainsbury; Sam Gay; Weston Kroes; Kevin D Martin Journal: Foot Ankle Orthop Date: 2021-12-08