A case series on the effect of dynamic neoprene orthosis on lower limb kinematic variables in children with cerebral palsy.

Purpose: This study examined the effects of a dynamic neoprene orthosis on kinematic variables of gait in children with spastic bilateral cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Five children (whose median age was 9.6 years and who ranged in age from six to 12) with spastic bilateral CP and flexed knee at levels I-III of the Gross Motor Function Classification System were examined using kinematic gait analysis in three different conditions: 1) with dynamic neoprene orthosis; 2) without dynamic neoprene orthosis (immediate effect); and 3) without orthosis after six weeks of intervention.

Online education for prosthetics and orthotics students in the era of COVID-19 pandemic in Iran: challenges, opportunities, and recommendations.

Introduction: With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, many higher education programs in Iran, including prosthetics and orthotics (P&O), had to shift to the online environment all at once. This unanticipated transition was challenging for the educational system. However, online education is superior in some aspects to conventional methods, and this situation may offer opportunities.

The effect of anterior ankle-foot orthosis and posterior ankle-foot orthosis on functional ambulation in stroke patients.

Background: The goal of rehabilitation after stroke is to restore safe and sufficient function to hemiplegic patients, and prescription of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) to improve speed and functional ambulation is a part of this program.

Objective: This crossover randomized interventional study aimed to evaluate the effect of an anterior ankle-foot orthosis (AAFO) and posterior leaf-spring ankle-foot orthosis (PLS AFO) on speed and functional ambulation in hemiplegic stroke patients.

Method: Clinical assessments were performed on 11 hemiplegic stroke patients by the AAFO, PLS AFO, and wearing shoes.

The Efficacy of "Anatomical Posture Control Orthosis" on the Activity of Erector spinae Muscle, Risk of Falling, Balance Confidence, and Walking Speed in Osteoporotic Hyperkyphotic Subjects.

Background: Osteoporosis is a silent and asymptomatic disease that leads to thoracic hyperkyphosis, which can interfere with the normal function of the paraspinal musculature and balance control. There is no evidence regarding the effect of the anatomical posture control (APC) orthosis in older people with osteoporotic thoracic hyperkyphosis. This study aimed to examine the effects of this novel orthosis on the electromyography (EMG) of the erector spinae (ES) and balance control in this group of patients.

Comparison of the Modified Lumbar Pelvic Belt with the Current Belt on Low Back and Pelvic Pain in Pregnant Women.

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common problems for pregnant women during pregnancy. Most belts are designed for supporting the surface of the symphysis pubis or upper anterior iliac spine without any support in the lumbar region.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the related effects between the new design and the current belt on the pain and function of pregnant women.

The effects of ankle-foot orthoses with plantar flexion stop and plantar flexion resistance using rocker-sole shoes on stroke gait: A randomized-controlled trial.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effect of two ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), AFO with plantar flexion stop (AFO-PlfS), and AFO with plantar flexion resistance (AFO-PlfR), while wearing standard shoes and rocker-sole shoes.

Patients And Methods: Between November 2017 and July 2018, in this randomized-controlled study, a total of 20 stroke patients (8 males, 12 females; mean age: 48.1 years; range, 33 to 65 years) in chronic phase were randomized to AFO groups (AFO-PlfS group, n=10 and AFO-PlfR group, n=10).

Effect of different designs of ankle-foot orthoses on gait in patients with stroke: A systematic review.

Background: Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are used to improve the gait of patients with stroke.

Research Question: The current review aimed at evaluating the efficacy of different designs of AFOs and comparison between them on the gait parameters of individuals with hemiplegic stroke.

Methods: The search strategy was based on the population intervention comparison outcome (PICO) method.

Temperature measurement and control system for transtibial prostheses: Single subject clinical evaluation.

The snug fit of a prosthetic socket over the residual limb can disturb thermal balance and put skin integrity in jeopardy by providing an unpleasant and infectious environment. The prototype of a temperature measurement and control (TM&C) system was previously introduced to resolve thermal problems related to prostheses. This study evaluates its clinical application in a setting with reversal, single subject design.

The effect of footwear adapted with a multi-curved rocker sole in conjunction with knee-ankle-foot orthoses on walking in poliomyelitis subjects: a pilot study.

Background: Knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) are used by people with poliomyelitis to ambulate. Whist advances in orthotic knee joint designs for use in KAFOs such the provision of stance control capability have proven efficacy, little attention has been paid to shoe adaptations which may also improve gait.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the alteration to the kinematics and temporal-spatial parameters of gait caused by the use of heel-to-toe rocker-soled footwear when ambulating with KAFOs.

Temperature measurement and control system for transtibial prostheses: Functional evaluation.

The accumulation of heat inside the prosthetic socket increases skin temperature and fosters perspiration, which consequently leads to high tissue stress, friction blister, discomfort, unpleasant odor, and decreased prosthesis suspension and use. In the present study, the prototype of a temperature measurement and control (TM&C) system was designed, fabricated, and functionally evaluated in a phantom model of the transtibial prosthetic socket. The TM&C system was comprised of 12 thermistors divided equally into two groups that arranged internal and external to a prosthetic silicone liner.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Persian version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to translate and to cross-culturally adapt the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) into Persian language and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

Method: The International Quality of Life Assessment process was pursued to translate CAIT into Persian. Two groups of Persian-speaking individuals, 105 participants with a history of ankle sprain and 30 participants with no history of ankle sprain, were asked to fill out Persian version of CAIT (CAIT-P), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

The Influence of Rocker Bar Ankle Foot Orthosis on Gait in Patients with Chronic Hemiplegia.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rocker bar ankle foot orthosis (RAFO) on the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait in chronic hemiplegic patients compared with the effect of solid ankle foot orthosis (SAFO).

Methods: Following ethical approval, 18 patients with chronic hemiplegia, at least 6 months post stroke, were investigated in barefoot condition, with SAFO and RAFO in random sequences. Their spatiotemporal characteristics were examined by 2 force platforms and a Vicon motion analysis system.

The effect of orthotic devices on knee adduction moment, pain and function in medial compartment knee osteoarthritis: a literature review.

Background Knee braces and foot orthoses are commonly used to improve knee adduction moment, pain and function in subjects with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, no literature review has been performed to compare the effects of foot orthoses and knee braces in this group of patients. Purpose The aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of foot orthoses and knee braces on knee adduction moment, pain and function in individuals with knee OA.

Effect of Dynamic Elastomeric Fabric Orthoses on Postural Control in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses (DEFOs) on postural control in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Ten children with spastic diplegic CP and 10 children with typical development participated. Knee extension was measured using electrogoniometry.

The effect of combined mechanism ankle support on postural control of patients with chronic ankle instability.

Background: Chronic ankle instability is associated with neuromechanical changes and poor postural stability. Despite variety of mechanisms of foot and ankle orthoses, almost none apply comprehensive mechanisms to improve postural control in all subgroups of chronic ankle instability patients.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an ankle support implementing combined mechanisms to improve postural control in chronic ankle instability patients.

Effect of a new hand-forearm splint on grip strength, pain, and function in patients with tennis elbow.

Background: While the effectiveness of orthoses prescribed for tennis elbow has been reported in several studies, the effect of how they may limit movements which aggravate this condition has not yet been explored.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new spiral hand-forearm splint that restricts the movement of the wrist and forearm, on grip strength, pain, and function in patients with tennis elbow.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental design.

The effect of different shoes on functional mobility and energy expenditure in post-stroke hemiplegic patients using ankle-foot orthosis.

Background: Ankle-foot orthoses could be utilized both with and without shoes. While several studies have shown that ankle-foot orthoses improve gait abilities in hemiplegic patients, it remains unclear whether they should be used with shoes or without.

Objectives: The study purpose was to compare the effect of standard shoes and rocker shoes on functional mobility in post-stroke hemiplegic patients utilizing ankle-foot orthosis.

Socket Interface Pressure and Amputee Reported Outcomes for Comfortable and Uncomfortable Conditions of Patellar Tendon Bearing Socket: A Pilot Study.

The objectives of the current study were to compare intra-socket pressure differences between comfortable and uncomfortable socket conditions, and the usefulness of subject perception of satisfaction, activity limitations, and socket comfort in distinguishing between these two socket conditions. Five unilateral trans-tibial amputees took part in the study. They answered the Socket Comfort Score (SCS) and Trinity Amputation and Prosthetic Experience Scale (TAPES) questionnaires before the interface pressure (in standing and walking) was measured for the uncomfortable socket condition at five regions of the residual limb.

Undergraduate prosthetics and orthotics teaching methods: A baseline for international comparison.

Background: Education of Prosthetics and Orthotics is a relatively recent professional program. While there has been some work on various teaching methods and strategies in international medical education, limited publication exists within prosthetics and orthotics.

Objectives: To identify the teaching and learning methods that are used in Bachelor-level prosthetics and orthotics programs that are given highest priority by expert prosthetics and orthotics instructors from regions enjoying a range of economic development.

The evaluation of modified foot orthosis on muscle activity and kinetic in a subject with flexible flat foot : single case study.

Background: Due to blocking of pronation/dorsiflexion in flexible flat foot and restriction of these movements in using the University of California Berkeley Laboratory orthosis, provided pressures in sole by the orthosis were increased. Therefore, this article describes the evaluation of modified foot orthosis with flexible structure in the management of individuals with flexible flat foot. CASE DESCRIPTION AND METHOD: The patient was a 21-year-old male who had symptomatic flat foot.

A novel technique for fabricating an ear prosthesis in a patient with congenital ear deformity.

Background And Aim: Microtia is one of the forms of ear loss and deformity. A prosthesis that is simple to apply, and which has adequate suspension and acceptable aesthetics, can be useful in the rehabilitation of patients with this deficit and can improve the social and psychological effects of patients with ear amputation. The aim of this article was to describe a novel technique for fabricating ear prosthesis in a patient with congenital ear deformity.

The effect of prefabricated and proprioceptive foot orthoses on plantar pressure distribution in patients with flexible flatfoot during walking.

Background: Previous studies have suggested that orthoses with different constructions could alter gait parameters in flexible flatfoot. However, there is less evidence about the effect of insoles with proprioceptive mechanism on plantar pressure distribution in flatfoot.

Objectives: To assess the effect of orthoses with different mechanisms on plantar pressure distribution in subjects with flexible flatfoot.

Comparison of the effects of solid versus hinged ankle foot orthoses on select temporal gait parameters in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury during treadmill walking.

Background: Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are usually used for patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI) to provide support in walking.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of AFOs, with and without ankle hinges, on specific gait parameters during treadmill training by subjects with ISCI.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental.

Evaluation of a novel powered gait orthosis for walking by a spinal cord injury patient.

Background: The aim of this case study was to analyze the effect on gait parameters of a new design of powered gait orthosis which applied synchronized motions to both the hip and knee joints when utilized for walking by a spinal cord injury (SCI) patient.

Case Description And Methods: Two orthoses were evaluated while worn by an incomplete SCI subject. Gait evaluation was performed when walking with an isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis (IRGO) and compared to that demonstrated by a newly developed powered version.

Evaluation of a novel powered hip orthosis for walking by a spinal cord injury patient: a single case study.

Background: The aim of this case study was to identify the effect of a powered hip orthosis on the kinematics and temporal-spatial parameters of walking by a patient with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Case Description And Methods: Two orthoses were evaluated while worn by an incomplete SCI subject with a T-8level of injury. Gait evaluation was performed when walking with an Isocentric Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (IRGO) and compared to that demonstrated by a newly powered version of the orthosis; based on the IRGO superstructure but incorporating powered hip joints using an electrically motorized actuator that produced active hip joint extension and flexion.