The technique of reciprocal walking using the hip guidance orthosis (hgo) with crutches.

An orthotic method of providing reciprocal walking for high thoracic levels of paralysis is detailed. The essential features of the hip guidance orthosis are described, as well as the basic muscle requirements for this form of walking (shoulder, arm and hand function plus Latissimus Dorsi). The walking sequence is described at each stage under the three main headings: mechanics, muscle action and hip guidance orthosis reaction--to build a complete picture of the walking process. The importance of considering the input made by the patient in addition to the purely mechanical orthotic contribution is illustrated.