Article

The aim of this case study was to identify the effect of a powered
stance control knee ankle foot orthosis on the kinematics and temporospatial
parameters of walking by a person with poliomyelitis when compared to a knee
ankle foot orthosis. Case description and methods: A knee ankle foot orthosis was
initially manufactured by incorporating drop lock knee joints and custom molded
ankle foot orthoses and fitted to a person with poliomyelitis. The orthosis was
then adapted by adding electrically activated powered knee joints to provide knee
extension torque during stance and also flexion torque in swing phase. Lower limb
kinematic and kinetic data plus data for temporospatial parameters were acquired
from three test walks using each orthosis. Findings and outcomes: Walking speed,
step length, and vertical and horizontal displacement of the pelvis decreased
when walking with the powered stance control knee ankle foot orthosis compared to
the knee ankle foot orthosis. When using the powered stance control knee ankle
foot orthosis, the knee flexion achieved during swing and also the overall
pattern of walking more closely matched that of normal human walking. The reduced
walking speed may have caused the smaller compensatory motions detected when the
powered stance control knee ankle foot orthosis was used. Conclusion: The new
powered SCKAFO facilitated controlled knee flexion and extension during
ambulation for a volunteer poliomyelitis person. Clinical relevance The powered
stance control knee ankle foot orthosis has the potential to improve knee joint
kinematics in persons with poliomyelitis when ambulating.

Langue : ANGLAIS