A comparison of energy expenditure and perceived exertion between standard axillary crutches, knee scooters, and a hands‐free crutch

Background Ambulation using standard axillary crutches (SACs) is associated with increased energy expenditure (EE) and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Using a hands‐free crutch (HFC) displays potential for easier completion of ADLs and reduction in energy requirements. Objectives To determine if a HFC elicits lower EE and heart rate (HR), improvement in performance of ADLs, and decreased rating of perceived exertion (RPE) compared to common ambulatory devices. Design A randomized crossover‐controlled trial. Setting University community. Participants Twenty healthy college students. Main Outcome Measures Participants completed a 6‐minute walk test at 50 m/min, an ADLs course, and a two‐flight stair climb with SACs, HFC, knee scooter (KS), and unassisted ambulation (UA). The order of trial conditions was randomized. EE, HR, time to complete ADLs course and stair climb, and RPE during each condition were obtained. One‐way analyses of variance were performed to compare EE, HR response, and RPE between the assistive devices and UA. Results In all outcomes UA resulted in lower EE, HR, and RPE compared to all the assistive devices (p