The treatment of gait abnormalities in persons with cerebral palsy is challenging. Theoretically, gait abnormalities can be diminished by decreasing the muscle forces that disrupt normal movement (e.g. via muscle–tendon lengthenings or tone-altering medications) and/or increasing the muscle and ground reaction forces that have the potential to improve movement (e.g. via strengthening exercises,...

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a debilitating condition affecting increasing numbers of individuals each year. One option for treatment is orthotic knee braces, but a little independent reviews have taken place to date on their relative outcomes for users. This study therefore evaluates the efficacy of different types of knee orthoses (braces) with regard to key aspects of use, including gait pa...

PURPOSE Most literature about the efficacy of tone-reducing orthotics pertains to adults and children with central nervous system (CNS) pathology. There is relatively little mention of using this type of orthotic with adults after spinal cord injury (SCI). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether tone-reducing orthotics have an effect on gait including electromyographic (...

BACKGROUND Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by multiple joint contractures at birth. Greater movements in the trunk and pelvis during walking have been observed in children with AMC using orthoses compared to those wearing only shoes. This study investigated gait dynamics in children with AMC and identified compensatory mechanisms that accommod...

Background The use of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses (DEFOs) for the treatment of neurological scoliosis has become an accepted form of orthotic treatment within many leading centres in the UK. The use of rigid or semirigid orthoses in this group have proven to be difficult due to reduced acceptance and discomfort. This paper will discuss the use of DEFOs as a first line of orthotic manage...