Energy expenditure in assisted ambulation.

Abstract The average energy cost of assisted ambulation in a group of 20 elderly patients convalescing from hip fractures was found to be 2.82 Calories per minute. This rate is approximately 30 per cent of the maximum energy expenditure for healthy men of the same age and may approach the actual maximum for certain patients. No significant differences in energy expenditure were demonstrated among patients using crutches, walkers, or parallel bars. Certain individuals showed marked increases of pulse rate or blood pressure during 3 minutes of assisted ambulation, and it is suggested that pulse rate may be used as a guide to the optimal duration of exercise in a specific case.