Validity and reproducibility of crutch force and heart rate measurements to assess energy expenditure of paraplegic gait

Abstract

Objective: To determine the validity and reproducibility of heart rate (HR) and crutch force measurements to estimate energy expenditure during paraplegic walking. Usefulness of these outcome measures in comparative trials was assessed in terms of responsiveness. Design: Cross-sectional validity was determined using one single (first) measurement. Longitudinal validity as well as reproducibility were calculated using repeated measurements. Setting: Oxygen uptake and HR during steady state as well as axial crutch load were measured at subjects' self-selected walking speeds. Patients: Ten subjects with thoracic-level spinal cord injury were included in the study. All subjects had considerable ..