Kinematic and electromyography analysis of paraplegic gait with the assistance of mechanical orthosis and walker

This study examines how people with paraplegia walk using walkers and leg braces. It looks at the movements and muscle activity in their upper body. The research identifies four key parts of each step: adjusting balance, pushing the walker, lifting the leg, and swinging the leg forward. The study found that lifting and swinging the leg require the most effort from the upper body muscles, particularly those in the trunk and shoulders.

• 1
  Four subtasks were characterized for each locomotion step: (1) balance adjustment, (2) walker propulsion, (3) leg raising, and (4) leg swing.
• 2
  Leg raising and leg swing involved large lateral maneuvers by the trunk and pelvis and appeared to be the most skill- and muscle activity-demanding subtasks.
• 3
  The main muscles contributing into these subtasks were the ipsilateral paraspinal and abdominal muscles, as well as the contralateral scapulothoracic and shoulder girdle muscles.