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

A common denominator between volumetric oxygen consumption (VO₂) and gait mechanical energy (E_g) is velocity of gait (v). By measuring VO₂ and assessing E_g in a normal population over a range of velocities, a normal VO₂ to E_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 VO₂ and E_g with such a normal curve