Effects of Two Different Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses on Postural Stability in Subjects with Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study.

Study Design: Pilot study.

Purpose: Evaluation of two different hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses (HKAFOs; medial linkage reciprocating gait orthosis [MLRGO] and isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis [IRGO]) using gait and postural stability analysis in four subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Overview Of Literature: To the best of our knowledge, no study has evaluated postural stability in subjects with SCI when using MLRGO and IRGO.

Design and analysis of an original powered foot clearance creator mechanism for walking in patients with spinal cord injury.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of an original powered foot clearance creator (PFCC) mechanism worn in conjunction with an isocentric reciprocal gait orthosis (IRGO) and evaluate its effect on trunk compensatory movements and spatiotemporal parameters in nine healthy subjects.

Method: A PFCC motorized mechanism was designed that incorporated twin sole plates, the movements of which enabled increased toe to floor clearance during swing phase. A prototype was constructed in combination with an IRGO, and hence was re-named as an IRGO-PFCC orthosis.

Efficacy of ankle foot orthoses types on walking in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review.

Background: Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are orthotic devices that can be used to normalize the walking pattern of children with cerebral palsy (CP). One of the aims of orthotic management is to produce a more normal gait pattern by positioning joints in the proper position to reduce pathological reflex or spasticity.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the literature and establish the effect of treatment with various types of AFOs on gait patterns of children with CP.

Visualisation of upper limb activity using spirals: A new approach to the assessment of daily prosthesis usage.

Background: Current outcome measures used in upper limb myoelectric prosthesis studies include clinical tests of function and self-report questionnaires on real-world prosthesis use. Research in other cohorts has questioned both the validity of self-report as an activity assessment tool and the relationship between clinical functionality and real-world upper limb activity. Previously, we reported the first results of monitoring upper limb prosthesis use.

The use of an adjustable electrode housing unit to compare electrode alignment and contact variation with myoelectric prosthesis functionality: A pilot study.

Background: Usable myoelectric control relies on secure and intimate contact at all times between the electrode, the socket and the residual limb. At present, there is little post-fitting socket adjustment available to prosthetists with respect to electrode contact security or alignment. Failure to provide secure electrode contact could result in the development of motion artefacts, poor prehensor response and subsequent prosthesis non-usage.

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.