ENERGY COST INDEX AS AN ESTIMATE OF ENERGY EXPENDITURE OF CEREBRAL‐PALSIED CHILDREN DURING ASSISTED AMBULATION

Abstract

The energy expenditure of cerebral-palsied children ambulating with bilateral quad canes and wheeled walkers was estimated, using average heart rate and speed of walking. An energy cost index (average number of heart rates/U distance walked) was derived to allow for varying speeds among patients. Children were then categorized into those who had a lower energy cost index when using quad canes and those who had a lower index when using walkers. This made possible to offer treatment recommendations based on objective data.