BACKGROUND Diverse theories of orthoses application have evolved with the continual development of podiatric biomechanics and orthotic management. This theoretical disparity can lead to confusion in clinical, educational, and research situations. However, although approaches are varied, the common consensus is that foot orthoses outcomes are generally positive. METHODS Three main podiatric th...

The three models (Winter, Summer, and Elastic) of the Vannini-Rizzoli Stabilizing Limb Orthosis (V-RSLO) were evaluated over a two-year period (1989-1991). A total of 181 veterans with paralysis participated. Eighty-two percent of the participants were paraplegic, while 18 percent were quadriplegic. The primary objectives of this evaluation were to determine functional utility and patient accep...

A linear piston hydraulic angular-velocity-based control knee joint was designed for people with knee-extensor weakness to engage knee-flexion resistance when knee-flexion angular velocity reaches a preset threshold, such as during a stumble, but to otherwise allow free knee motion. During mechanical testing at the lowest angular-velocity threshold, the device engaged within 2 degrees knee flex...

BACKGROUND Assistive products are items which allow older people and people with disabilities to be able to live a healthy, productive and dignified life. It has been estimated that approximately 1.5% of the world's population need a prosthesis or orthosis. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to systematically identify and review the evidence from randomized controlled trials assessing ...

This paper describes the application of low level controlled torque to an elbow contracture through the use of an active orthosis. Over a period of twenty months the lack of elbow extension range was reduced from 105 degrees to 57 degrees. A description of the important orthotic design factors which led to significant functional improvement is provided.

All orthotic equipment must operate at the highest possible standards of safety and, should structural failure of a loaded component occur, there must be a minimal possibility of injury to the user. Because of the lack of definitive data on the in-service loading of lower limb orthoses it is not possible to base a test procedure on "real" loading conditions. In this paper a method of destructiv...

In this thesis, a dynamic analysis simulation model for analysis of pressure distribution in the human/orthosis interface is presented. The software used to develop this simulation model was OpenSim, software for modeling, simulating, controlling, and analyzing the neuromusculoskeletal system, which uses Simbody as the multibody dynamics engine to perform simulations. Two distinct prototypes we...

BACKGROUND Semi-custom foot orthoses (SCO) are thought to be a cost-effective alternative to custom-made devices. However, previous biomechanical research involving either custom or SCO has only focused on rearfoot biomechanics. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine changes in multi-segment foot biomechanics during shod walking with and without an SCO. We chose to investigate an ...

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) have been described to have positive effects on the gait biomechanics in stroke patients. The plantarflexion resistance of an AFO is considered important for hemiplegic patients, but the evidence is still limited. The purpose of this case series was to design and evaluate the immediate effect of an articulated AFO on kinematics and kinetics of lower-limb joints in str...

OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of orthotic devices for the management of instability of the knee in adults with a neuromuscular disorder or central nervous system disorder. DESIGN A systematic review of primary studies. SETTING Community. PARTICIPANTS Adults with a neuromuscular disorder or central nervous system disorder and impaired walking ability due to instability of the knee...