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A microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis improves balance, risk of falling, mobility, function, and quality of life of individuals dependent on a knee-ankle-foot orthosis for ambulation.
- Source :
- Disability & Rehabilitation; Aug2024, Vol. 46 Issue 17, p4019-4032, 14p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Introduction: The C-Brace microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis was designed to overcome safety and functional limitations of traditional knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) for individuals with lower limb paresis. However, a systematic comparison to established KAFO types has not been performed in a bigger sample. Methods: International multicenter, randomized, controlled, cross-over clinical trial. Legacy KAFO users at risk of falling were randomized to KAFO/C-Brace or C-Brace/KAFO use for three months with each orthosis. Primary outcome was balance assessed with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Secondary outcomes were falls, mobility, function, and quality of life. Results: Intention-to-treat analysis with 102 participants. With the C-Brace, the BBS improved by 3.3 ± 6.3 points (p < 0.0001). Significantly fewer participants presented BBS scores <40 indicative of increased fall risk (16 vs. 36, p = 0.018). Mean falls reduced from 4.0 ± 16.8 to 1.1 ± 3.3 (p = 0.002). Outcomes for function, mobility, and quality of life showed significant improvements with the C-Brace. Discussion: The improvements in fall risk and mobility can be attributed to the stumble recovery and controlled knee flexion during weight bearing of the C-Brace and have a positive impact on the quality of life of users. Conclusion: The C-Brace represents an option for KAFO users with increased fall risk and reduced mobility. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: When prescribing traditional knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs), their known limitations, such as limited function and mobility, and the requirement to walk with compensatory mechanisms, especially on non-level terrains, should be considered. For patients with compromised balance and increased risk of falling when using a traditional KAFO, a microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis (MP-SSCO) may be considered as an orthotic option to reduce their fall risk. For patients with mobility restrictions using a traditional KAFO, a MP-SSCO may be considered to improve function, mobility, reintegration into normal living, and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- PROSTHETICS
RESEARCH funding
FUNCTIONAL assessment
STATISTICAL sampling
QUESTIONNAIRES
ORTHOPEDIC apparatus
RANDOMIZED controlled trials
HEALTH surveys
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
KNEE joint
CROSSOVER trials
QUALITY of life
CONVALESCENCE
RESEARCH
FOOT orthoses
ANKLE joint
DATA analysis software
HEALTH outcome assessment
POSTURAL balance
ACCIDENTAL falls
PHYSICAL mobility
MEDICAL equipment design
RANGE of motion of joints
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09638288
- Volume :
- 46
- Issue :
- 17
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Disability & Rehabilitation
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 179022985
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2258342