Reliability and Responsiveness of a Novel Method for Assessing Passive Ankle Joint Stiffness

Kirsten M. Anderson, BSE

Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) provide additional support for the foot and ankle. AFO stiffness affects ankle joint stiffness, and interactions between the AFO, the limb, and the shoes are not well understood but may impact joint stiffness during gait. Twenty healthy individuals completed participated and completed biomechanical gait analysis and ankle stiffness testing using a novel method for assessing passive ankle joint stiffness. Participants completed testing with and without an orthosis, and ankle stiffness testing was completed before and after walking. The novel testing method was shown to be reliable method of measuring passive ankle joint stiffness and was and responsive to changes in ankle stiffness associated with orthosis use.

Optimized Efficiency of Kafos: What Is the Effect of Different Orthotic Ankle Joint Principles?

Malte Bellmann, Prof. Dr., CPO

This study demonstrates the benefit of an additional ankle unit for SCOs and SSCOs. For both KAFOs, the increased and controlled dorsiflexion with NGT led to an improved roll-over behavior that was connected with an easier swing-phase initiation, especially in more difficult ADLs, such as uphill walking and walking on uneven terrain. In SCOs, a generally increased reliability of the main functionality, switching from locked into unlocked state, can be expected.

Effect of Crutch and Walking-boot Use on Whole-body Angular Momentum During Gait

Wesley J. Gari

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of crutch and walking boot use on balance control and participant reported confidence and comfort. Range of whole-body angular momentum (RAM) in the sagittal plane, reported balance confidence, pain, and comfort were assessed for healthy able-bodied participants while walking with no crutch, standard axillary crutches, and a hands-free crutch (HFC) as well as with a walking boot in all three of these conditions. HFCs showed a significant lower RAM and a higher patient preference than standard axillary crutches, implying individuals can better maintain stability while walking with the HFC.