What is a consequence of pelvic attachments to an HKAFO?

What is a consequence of pelvic attachments to an HKAFO?

• A. Decrease energy expenditure
• B. Make donning and doffing easier
• C. No effect on weight
• D. Increase weight and energy expenditure and complicate donning and doffing

Answer: (D)

Pelvic attachments add mass and bulk close to the body's center of gravity, which increases the energy cost of moving the device and the person wearing it. That proximal weight means more effort is needed during each step and to initiate and finish movements, so overall energy expenditure goes up. The bulky attachments also make getting the brace on and off more cumbersome, requiring extra steps and time, and often assistance. So the device becomes heavier, more tiring to use, and harder to don or doff. The other possibilities don’t fit because adding pelvic attachments does not reduce energy use, it does add weight, and it does not simplify donning.

Pelvic attachments add mass and bulk close to the body's center of gravity, which increases the energy cost of moving the device and the person wearing it. That proximal weight means more effort is needed during each step and to initiate and finish movements, so overall energy expenditure goes up. The bulky attachments also make getting the brace on and off more cumbersome, requiring extra steps and time, and often assistance. So the device becomes heavier, more tiring to use, and harder to don or doff. The other possibilities don’t fit because adding pelvic attachments does not reduce energy use, it does add weight, and it does not simplify donning.