Improvement of efficiency in a quadriplegic individual using an FES-RGO system

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) when interfaced with a reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO) resulted in walking exercise for a C-7-level quadriplegic subject. Cardiopulmonary measurements were made and efficiencies calculated on the subjects during progressive velocity walking with the FES-RGO and the RGO alone (without FES). Results for the quadriplegic individual indicates that overall external mechanical efficiency was increased two to two and a half times with the FES-RGO versus the RGO alone.<>