The correct choice and customization of an orthosis are crucial to obtain the best comfort and efficiency. This study explored the feasibility of a multivariate quantitative assessment of the functional efficiency of lower limb orthosis through a novel wearable system. Gait basographic parameters and energetic indexes were analysed during a Six-Minute Walking Test (6-MWT) through a cost-effecti...

The purpose of this pilot investigation was to develop a method to test the influence of specific prosthetic features in preventing trans-tibial amputees from walking like able-bodied subjects. An able-bodied subject was fitted with a patellar-tendon-bearing orthosis incorporating several features of an amputee's prosthesis. Kinetic, kinematic and metabolic data were collected as features were ...

The aim of this study was to determine whether the treatment of abnormal subtalar pronation restores functional (as opposed to structural) limited dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (functional hallux limitus). We studied 16 feet of eight individuals with abnormal subtalar pronation. Orthoses were made for all of the feet, and hallux dorsiflexion was measured during weightbeari...

This was a phase 1 investigation of an upper limb training program using the SaeboFlex dynamic orthosis to improve upper limb motor status. Thirteen individuals with chronic hemiparesis from stroke (age 26-71 years) participated. After being fitted with a SaeboFlex orthosis, each participant was engaged in 5 days of training (6 hours per day) that consisted of repetitive, task oriented activiti...

A "proof of concept" prototype of a new device to link bilateral knee-ankle-foot orthoses, the Mooring Medial Linkage Orthosis (Moorong MLO), is presented. The device consists of an arcuate sliding link centred on the hip joints with rolling element bearings to minimise friction. A single repeated-measures case study is reported in which a woman with an incomplete C6 tetraplegia ambulated over ...

Recently, robot assisted therapy devices are increasingly used for spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation in assisting handicapped patients to regain their impaired movements. Assistive robotic systems may not be able to cure or fully compensate impairments, but it should be able to assist certain impaired functions and ease movements. In this study, a couple control model for lower-limb ortho...

Kikkawa T, Takashima A. Practice of gait training using lower-limb orthosis and body weight-supported walker for severe acute motor axonal neuropathy: a case report. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2023; 14: 49-53.

A plastic ankle foot orthosis (AFO) was developed, referred to as functional ankle foot orthosis Type 2 (FAFO (II)), which can deal with genu recurvatum and the severe spastic foot in walking. Clinical trials were successful for all varus and drop feet, and for most cases of genu recurvatum. Electromyogram studies showed that the FAFO (II) reduced the spasticity of gastrocnemius and hamstring m...

Case description A 12 year old scoliotic subject was recruited in this study. They walked and stood with and without Milwaukee orthosis. Motions of the joint and the forces applied on the leg were collected by use of motion analysis system and a Kistler faceplate. The length of erector spine, external oblique and internal oblique abdominalis tendons was evaluated during walking with and without...

Force plate studies with nine adult traumatic complete paraplegics with lesion at thoracic level have shown that, unlike children walking in the Oswestry Hip Guidance Orthosis (Para Walker) system, they have to apply extra stabilizing forces through the crutches for safe walking. These forces are described and are attributed to an increased crutch force applied to prevent lateral deformation of...