A comparison of energy consumption between the use of a walking frame, crutches and a Stride-on rehabilitation scooter

Following foot and ankle surgery, patients may be required to mobilise non-weight bearing, requiring a walking aid such as crutches, walking frame or a Stride-on rehabilitation scooter, which aims to reduce the amount of work required. The energy consumption of mobilising using a Stride-on scooter has not previously been investigated, and we aim to establish this.

Ten healthy volunteers (5 males:5 females) aged 20–40 years mobilised independently, then with each mobility device for 3 min at 1 km/h on a treadmill, with rest periods, whilst undergoing Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET). Oxygen consumption (VO₂), carbon dioxide excretion (VCO₂), minute ventilation (MV), respiratory rate (RR) and pulse (HR) were measured at baseline, and after 3 min of walking, without and with all 3 devices. Wilcoxon signed rank test was carried out to calculate significance with non-parametric values with Bonferroni correction.

Three-point crutch mobilisation demonstrated significant increases in VO₂ (0.7 L), VCO₂ (0.7 L), MV (16.7 L/min), pulse (24.8 bpm) and RR (11.4 breaths/min) compared to walking (p < 0.05). Mobilisation with a frame produced significant (p < 0.05) increases compared to walking; VO₂ (0.7 L), VCO₂ (0.7 L), MV (18.3 L/min), pulse (35.9 bpm), and RR (11.7 breaths/min). Tests using the Stride-on demonstrated no significant increase compared to walking with regards to VO₂ (0.1 L; p = 0.959), VCO₂ (0.2 L; p = 0.332), pulse (10.1 bpm; p = 0.575), and RR (4.7 breaths/min; p = 0.633). The MV was significantly higher compared to walking (4.3 L/min; p < 0.05).

Energy required for unit distance ambulation with a Stride-on device is similar to walking, and significantly lower than with a walking frame in single legged stance and three-point crutch mobilisation. This justifies its use as part of routine practice aiding early mobilisation of patients requiring restricted weight bearing or single legged weight bearing, especially in those with reduced cardio-pulmonary reserve as it is less physiologically demanding and does not rely on upper body strength.