Article

Kinetic data provide important information about the mobility
performance of individuals with lower limb impairments and their assistive
devices; however, there is limited understanding of this in real-life
environments. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of real-life irregular surfaces
on forces and moments in knee-ankle-foot orthoses.
METHODS: In this case series
study, a load cell was used to measure the forces and moments at the knee joint
of knee-ankle-foot orthoses of individuals with unilateral muscle weakness as a
result of poliomyelitis while walking on different ground surfaces and at
different speeds. RESULTS: Significantly higher shear forces and external peak
knee flexion moments were found when walking on irregular surfaces. In individual
cases, certain irregular ground conditions elicited large increases in peak
flexion moments (>50%) when compared to walking on smooth level ground. Forces
and moments were significantly higher at faster walking speeds. CONCLUSIONS:
Higher external peak knee flexion moments during the stance phase suggest that
greater demands for support and stability are placed on individuals and their
assistive devices when negotiating real-life ground surfaces. Clinical relevance
This study demonstrates that walking on irregular surfaces alters the loads
placed on knee-ankle-foot orthoses and that the requirements for knee
stabilization increase. This has important clinical implications on the design,
prescription, and use of such devices given the structural and functional demands
placed on them.

Langue : ANGLAIS