Energy Expenditure of Pediatric Amputees

The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery has published research on the effect of amputation level on energy expenditure during overground walking by children with an amputation. The oxygen consumption of 73 children with amputations was measured while walking overground for 10 minutes at a self selected pace. The results indicated that children with above knee amputations walk significantly slower and with an increased energy cost when compared to their peers. Children with below knee or at the knee amputations were able to maintain normal walking speed without increased energy consumption.

Reference: Jeans, Kelly A., Browne, Richard H., Karol, Lori A.
Effect of Amputation Level on Energy Expenditure During Overground Walking by Children with an Amputation J Bone Joint Surg Am 2011 93: 49-56