Background: During the functional rehabilitation program (FRP), the significant difference in the speed and pulse rate between two walking mechanisms (with and without a windlass mechanism) on two different terrains, randomized cross-over trial.

Methods and materials: Twenty two students aged 18-22 years with normal physiques. Students in both groups were instructed to walk in bare foot with and without the windlass mechanism on floor and treadmill. The primary outcome was to increase the speed and decrease the time with the windlass mechanism in barefoot walking during the FRP. The secondary outcome was to reduce the effort by using the windlass mechanism in barefoot walking during the FRP.

Findings: The average time to complete 50 meters on the floor with a windlass mechanism is 30.7 seconds with a standard deviation of 0.91 seconds, whereas the average time without a windlass mechanism is 38.4 seconds with a standard deviation of 1.39 seconds. This difference in the mean is statistically significant (p <0.001). After walking, the average post-radial pulse rate with and without mechanism was 120.3 bpm and 131.4 bpm, with standard deviations of 2.87 bpm and 1.09 bpm, respectively. This difference in the mean is statistically significant (p <0.001).The average speed achieved for 120 seconds (2 minutes) with the windlass mechanism is 0.095 m/s with a standard deviation of 0.008 m/s, whereas the average speed achieved without the windlass mechanism is 0.066 m/s with a standard deviation of 0.007 m/s. This difference in the mean is statistically significant (p <0.001). After walking, the average post-radial pulse rate with and without mechanism was 129.8 bpm and 135.1 bpm, with standard deviations of 2.33 bpm and 3.34 bpm, respectively. This difference in the mean is statistically significant (p <0.001).

Interpretation: This study finds that there is an increase in speed with less effort (lesser pulse rate) while using a windlass mechanism on both terrains. This research study suggests that the windlass mechanism can be used during the FRP. BKL Walawalkar Hospital’s Ethics Committee

(EC/NEW/INST/2020/320) approved this study.