The energy expenditure of spina bifida children during walking and wheelchair ambulation.

Energy expenditure was measured during walking and wheelchair ambulation among a group of 22 spina bifida children. Walking energy expenditure was generally higher than during wheelchair ambulation and significantly higher again than that expected for normals matched for weight. The energy expended during both types of locomotion related to the weight of the subjects and not the site of lesion. Physical apathy, excessive weight and increased energy expenditure tended to be connected. Data are presented which will be of use in assessing the physical effort involved in the two types of locomotion, and in calculating dietary energy requirements.