Effects of Ankle-Foot Orthoses for Children with Hemiplegia on Weight-Bearing and Functional Ability

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara O’Reilly ◽  
Adrienne Hunt ◽  
Bronwyn Thomas ◽  
Lynne Harris ◽  
Joshua Burns
Keyword(s):  
Functional Ability ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Foot Orthoses ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthoses

A functional comparison of conventional knee–ankle–foot orthoses and a microprocessor-controlled leg orthosis system based on biomechanical parameters

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Schmalz ◽  
Eva Pröbsting ◽  
Roland Auberger ◽  
Gordon Siewert
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Swing Phase ◽  
Flexion Angle ◽  
Foot Orthoses ◽  
Joint Moments ◽  
Level Walking ◽  
Stance Control ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthoses ◽  
Biomechanical Parameters

Background: The microprocessor-controlled leg orthosis C-Brace enables patients with paretic or paralysed lower limb muscles to use dampened knee flexion under weight-bearing and speed-adapted control of the swing phase. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to investigate the new technical functions of the C-Brace orthosis, based on biomechanical parameters. Study design: The study enrolled six patients. The C-Brace orthosis is compared with conventional leg orthoses (four stance control orthoses, two locked knee–ankle–foot orthoses) using biomechanical parameters of level walking, descending ramps and descending stairs. Methods: Ground reaction forces, joint moments and kinematic parameters were measured for level walking as well as ascending and descending ramps and stairs. Results: With the C-Brace, a nearly natural stance phase knee flexion was measured during level walking (mean value 11° ± 5.6°). The maximum swing phase knee flexion angle of the C-Brace approached the normal value of 65° more closely than the stance control orthoses (66° ± 8.5° vs 74° ± 6.4°). No significant differences in the joint moments were found between the C-Brace and stance control orthosis conditions. In contrast to the conventional orthoses, all patients were able to ambulate ramps and stairs using a step-over-step technique with C-Brace (flexion angle 64.6° ± 8.2° and 70.5° ± 12.4°). Conclusion: The results show that the functions of the C-Brace for situation-dependent knee flexion under weight bearing have been used by patients with a high level of confidence. Clinical relevance The functional benefits of the C-Brace in comparison with the conventional orthotic mechanisms could be demonstrated most clearly for descending ramps and stairs. The C-Brace orthosis is able to combine improved orthotic function with sustained orthotic safety.

Ankle-foot orthoses in stroke: Effects on functional balance, weight-bearing asymmetry and the contribution of each lower limb to balance control

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 769-775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corien D.M. Simons ◽  
Edwin H.F. van Asseldonk ◽  
Herman van der Kooij ◽  
Alexander C.H. Geurts ◽  
Jaap H. Buurke
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Foot Orthoses ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthoses ◽  
Balance Weight

scholarly journals Individual stiffness optimization of dorsal leaf spring ankle–foot orthoses in people with calf muscle weakness is superior to standard bodyweight-based recommendations

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Niels F. J. Waterval ◽  
Merel-Anne Brehm ◽  
Jaap Harlaar ◽  
Frans Nollet
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Weakness ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Calf Muscle ◽  
Leaf Spring ◽  
Foot Orthoses ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthoses ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Optimal Stiffness ◽  
Walking Energy Cost

Abstract Background In people with calf muscle weakness, the stiffness of dorsal leaf spring ankle–foot orthoses (DLS-AFO) needs to be individualized to maximize its effect on walking. Orthotic suppliers may recommend a certain stiffness based on body weight and activity level. However, it is unknown whether these recommendations are sufficient to yield the optimal stiffness for the individual. Therefore, we assessed whether the stiffness following the supplier’s recommendation of the Carbon Ankle7 (CA7) dorsal leaf matched the experimentally optimized AFO stiffness. Methods Thirty-four persons with calf muscle weakness were included and provided a new DLS-AFO of which the stiffness could be varied by changing the CA7® (Ottobock, Duderstadt, Germany) dorsal leaf. For five different stiffness levels, including the supplier recommended stiffness, gait biomechanics, walking energy cost and speed were assessed. Based on these measures, the individual experimentally optimal AFO stiffness was selected. Results In only 8 of 34 (23%) participants, the supplier recommended stiffness matched the experimentally optimized AFO stiffness, the latter being on average 1.2 ± 1.3 Nm/degree more flexible. The DLS-AFO with an experimentally optimized stiffness resulted in a significantly lower walking energy cost (− 0.21 ± 0.26 J/kg/m, p < 0.001) and a higher speed (+ 0.02 m/s, p = 0.003). Additionally, a larger ankle range of motion (+ 1.3 ± 0.3 degrees, p < 0.001) and higher ankle power (+ 0.16 ± 0.04 W/kg, p < 0.001) were found with the experimentally optimized stiffness compared to the supplier recommended stiffness. Conclusions In people with calf muscle weakness, current supplier’s recommendations for the CA7 stiffness level result in the provision of DLS-AFOs that are too stiff and only achieve 80% of the reduction in energy cost achieved with an individual optimized stiffness. It is recommended to experimentally optimize the CA7 stiffness in people with calf muscle weakness in order to maximize treatment outcomes. Trial registration Nederlands Trial Register 5170. Registration date: May 7th 2015. http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=5170.

State of the Art Review of Knee–Ankle–Foot Orthoses

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 427-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Tian ◽  
Mohamed Samir Hefzy ◽  
Mohammad Elahinia
Keyword(s):  
State Of The Art ◽  
Foot Orthoses ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthoses
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