A comparison of volumetric oxygen consumption to gait mechanical energy in normal and pathological gait

A common denominator between volumetric oxygen consumption (VO/sub 2/) and gait mechanical energy (E/sub g/) is velocity of gait (v). By measuring VO/sub 2/ and assessing E/sub g/ in a normal population over a range of velocities, a normal VO/sub 2/ to E/sub g/ relationship is established. In pathological gait, such as in cerebral palsy (CP), the degree of involvement (spasticity, motor control, weakness, co-contraction, and/or imbalance) can be approximated by comparing a given subject's VO/sub 2/ and E/sub g/ with such a normal curve.