Persons with quadriceps muscle weakness are often prescribed a knee-ankle-foot orthosis that locks the knee in full extension during both stance and swing phases of gait. Locking the knee results in abnormal gait patterns characterized by hip hiking and leg circumduction during swing. The stance-control knee-ankle-foot orthosis (SCKAFO), a new type of orthosis, has emerged that permits free kne...

Wrist orthoses (also known as splints, braces, or supports) are commonly used to support or restrict the motion of a weak or injured wrist. These orthoses generally function by stiffening the wrist joint. Therefore, choosing the proper orthosis (or improving orthoses) requires that we understand their stiffness properties. In this study, we present a method for measuring the stiffness of wrist ...

BACKGROUND Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot complaints. It is often treated with foot orthoses; however, studies of the effects of orthoses are generally of poor quality, and to our knowledge, no trials have investigated long-term effectiveness. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of foot orthoses in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. ...

Background There is emerging evidence that foot orthoses are effective in the management of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), however the identification of those most likely to benefit from orthoses has not been adequately explored. The primary aim of this study was to develop a clinical prediction rule to help identify individuals with PFPS who are most likely to benefit from foot orthoses....

BACKGROUND Patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis is a common condition, yet information regarding conservative management is lacking. Foot orthoses are an effective intervention for improving pain and function in younger individuals with patellofemoral pain and may be effective in those with patellofemoral osteoarthritis. This pilot study will seek to establish the feasibility of a phase III rand...

UNLABELLED Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) can provide support and improve walking ability in individuals with plantarflexor weakness. Passive-dynamic AFO stiffness can be optimized for over-ground walking, however little research exists for uphill walking, when plantarflexor contributions are key. PURPOSE Compare uphill walking biomechanics (1) between dynamic AFO users and able-bodied control su...

BACKGROUND Over the years, various types of orthoses have been designed to assist subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) to stand and walk. However, the functional performance of the orthoses has not been adequate, that is, patients experience stability problems, consume excessive energy during ambulation, and generally require assistance in donning and doffing the devices. This research is aim...

This research project investigated the orthotic prescription habits of podiatric physicians in Australia and New Zealand. A 23-item questionnaire was distributed to all members of the Australian Podiatry Association and the New Zealand Society of Podiatrists. When asked what type of foot orthoses they prescribe most often, 72% of respondents reported functional foot orthoses; the next most comm...

Background Custom made foot orthoses remain the ‘gold standard’ because the orthotic geometry is tailored to each patient’s foot. However, due to their reduced cost, in some contexts there has been an increasing preference for prefabricated orthoses. Research has failed to identify major differences between the two types of orthosis [1-4]. This project aimed to design, develop and evaluate a ne...

Foot orthoses often are prescribed for patients with patellofemoral pain. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to review the theoretical and research basis that might support this intervention and to provide our own clinical experience in providing foot orthoses for these patients. Literature is reviewed regarding (1) the effects of foot orthoses on pain and function, (2) the relationship...