Evaluation of Gait Endurance by Physiological Responses in Long-Distance Walking

Abstract

In this study, the heart rates of patients with neurological disorders were measured in order to evaluate their walking abilities, and differences in physiological responses when walking short and long distances were clarified. Effects on subjects when walking long distances carrying a load were determined and their relationship to the impairment level of gait capability was studied as well. There was no correlation between walking speed immediately after the walking commenced and the distance walked, i.e., a short distance (50 meters) or a long distance (1 kilometer), in either those with no walking disorders or patients with disorders. Palmic response rose either linearly or logarithmically when the patients walked for a long distance. In patients with severe motion-function disorders, the longer the distance became, the lower the walking efficiency became, resulting in a greater burden being placed on the body. For both people without disorders and patients with disorders, PCI and %HRR increased substantially and walking speed fell when they walked carrying a load. The higher the degree of motion-function disorder, the greater the degree of physiological response. These results show that, in clinical physical therapy, it is important to examine in detail actual long-distance walking by the patient.