Energy expenditure during gait in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate energy expenditure in gait by mucopolysaccharidosis affected patients by means of a simple and adequate to the clinical environment methodology. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out comparing energy expenditure during gait in 19 patients suffering from mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS Group) with 19 asymptomatic control individuals (Control Group). Energy expenditure was measured in calories (cal) using a Polar telemetric watch (model FT7) during a 50 meter walk. Variables such as age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), initial hart rate, final hart rate, and walking time, were recorded. RESULTS: MPS Group showed a mean energy expenditure during gait of 2.84 cal (±1,01), versus 1.42 cal (±0,51), 100% higher than the Control Group; MPS also presented increased initial hart rate (22% higher), final hart rate (13% higher) and walking time (13% higher). CONCLUSIONS: Energy expenditure during gait in MPS patients was two times higher than control individuals; the methodology used showed to be a promising alternative, also adequate to the standard clinical environment. Level of Evidence III, Cross-sectional Comparative Study.