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

The variation of ground reaction forces with time for a complete hgo gait cycle using crutches has been synthesized from video recordings and force platform data. This has led to an understanding of the dynamics of hgo ambulation. The results show that when a patient used the orthosis the crutches provide a subtle control mechanism taking maximum advantage of forward momentum and produce small propulsive forces when needed to make up energy losses.