하지 보조기(Hands-Free Crutch)보행 시 20대 정상 성인의 산소 섭취량에 미치는 영향(case study)

The Effects of Walking with Hands-Free Crutch on the Peak Oxygen Uptake of Normal Adults in their 20s.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate changes in oxygen intake during hands-free crutch gait compared with normal gait. Methods: This study was conducted on two adults—one male and one female, both in their 20. A 6-min walking test was conducted using normal gait and hands-free crutch gait performed on separate days. The peak oxygen intake(VO2peak) and lower limb muscle activity were compared using a portable metabolic analyzer and surface electromyography. Results: The results confirmed that hands-free crutch gait had a greater effect on the VO2peak and lower extremity muscle activity compared with normal gait. Conclusion: In the future, if patients with cardio and respiratory system diseases undergo lower extremity surgery or injury, not only lower extremity balance training but also cardio and respiratory system management and education will be required when using assistive devices.