Activities of daily living available to paraplegics using the LSU-FES powered walking orthosis

A study was conducted to assess the utility of the LSU-FES powered walking orthosis for paraplegics in various activities of daily living in addition to simple level walking. It was determined that with relatively simple modifications it is possible for thoracic paraplegics to perform daily functions such as food preparation, outdoor barbecuing, working at a workbench, inspecting automobile fluid levels, target shooting and playing ball. Although such activities are possible with relatively minor adaptations, they are still limited and call for significant increase in research activities that improve daily functions.