Energy Expenditure Index (EEI) for Single Limb Stand Non Weight Bearing Stair case Climbing Using Axillary Crutches and Standard Walker in Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Background: Stair climbing and walking is a part of high level functional activity. Stairs provide a ubiquitous and cost effective opportunity to incorporate physical exercise into the daily routine which in turn increases the quality of life. The choices of assistive ambulatory devices are limited to crutches and walkers, for patients with a NWB gait. Objective: To assess Energy Expenditure Index while using Axillary Crutches and Standard Walker single limb stand non weight bearing stair climbing in healthy participants.Materials and Methods: There were 340 participants (160 males and 180 females) with age group of 18-25 years and with normal BMI 18-22kg/m2. All the participants had undergone 5 phases of stair climbing using adjustable standard walker and axillary crutches single limb non weight bearing stair climbing. Energy expenditure index of each phase was calculated. Results: The results of the study were generated using ‘SPSS version 23. The study shows that, the Energy Expenditure Index during stair climbing on non weight bearing by using standard walker is 10.81±3.14 beats/meter. Stair climbing on non weight bearing by using crutch is 6.76±1.92 beats/ meter. EEI for stair climbing without any assistive device is 1.9±0.39 beats/ meter. Conclusion: This study concluded that, energy expenditure during single limb stand non weight bearing stair climbing using standard walker is more than axillary crutch.