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Prosthet Orthot Int 2019 Feb 14:309364619825607. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

1 Faculty of Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada.

Background:: Foot orthoses have proven to be effective for conservative management of various pathologies. Pathologies of the lower limb can be caused by abnormal biomechanics such as irregular foot structure and alignment, leading to inadequate support.

Objectives:: To compare biomechanical effects of different foot orthoses on the medial longitudinal arch during dynamic gait using skeletal kinematics. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Feb;98(6):e14423

School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Kinesio tape (KT) on lower limb muscle activation pattern in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) during walking.

Design: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial.

Setting: University laboratory setting. Read More

Prosthet Orthot Int 2019 Feb 7:309364619825891. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

2 Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.

Background:: Due to limitations in provision of prosthetic care in South Africa, a screening tool to select transfemoral prosthetic candidates has been implemented.

Objective:: To describe prosthetic services, use and mobility of people with transfemoral amputation, identified as prosthetic candidates through the Guidelines for Screening of Prosthetic Candidates: Lower Limb, and to identify variables that might influence prosthetic use and mobility.

Design:: Cross-sectional survey. Read More

J Bodyw Mov Ther 2019 01 14;23(1). Epub 2018 Sep 14.

Physical Therapy Department, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2019 Jan 18. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

From Leidos, San Diego, California (SLE, MCC, CTM, JRW), and Operational Readiness Research Directorate, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California (MRG).

The objective of this study was to describe the functional status of US Service members after combat-related amputation. This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from a subsample of the Wounded Warrior Recovery Project (WWRP), an ongoing, web-based, longitudinal examination of patient-reported outcomes of injured service members. The study sample included 82 WWRP participants with a combat-related lower extremity amputation who reported using a prosthetic device and completed the Orthotics and Prosthetics Users' Survey Lower Extremity Functional Status, which measures self-reported functional status in participants with a prosthetic device. Read More

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2019 Jan 17:1-7. Epub 2019 Jan 17.

a School of Life Sciences and Education , Staffordshire University , Stoke On Trent , UK.

Purpose: Approximately 1.5% of the world's population (∼100 million people) need a prosthesis/orthosis. The objective of the study was to establish an overview of the literature that has examined prosthetic and orthotic interventions with a view to inform policy development. Read More

Disabil Rehabil 2019 Jan 7:1-8. Epub 2019 Jan 7.

b Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy , University of Lucerne , Lucerne , Switzerland.

Purpose: To evaluate the access to human rights of persons with disabilities who use prosthetic and orthotic assistive devices, and to compare groups of participants in terms of gender, residential area, income, and type and level of assistive device. The addressed areas were rights to: health, a standard of living adequate for health, education, marry and establish a family, vote, and work.

Methods: Questionnaires were used to collect self-reported data from 139 lower-limb prosthetic and orthotic users in Sierra Leone. Read More

Gait Posture 2018 09 26;65:205-212. Epub 2018 Jul 26.

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa, Canada; Canadian Forces Health Services, Ottawa, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: People with lower limb amputation may experience walking limitations on slopes because of missing musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. Elevated vacuum suspension could benefit transtibial amputee gait for slope walking, but research is lacking to inform clinical practice.

Methods: Twelve people with unilateral transtibial amputation were fitted with the Unity elevated vacuum suspension system (Össur) and Pro-Flex XC foot. Read More

Gait Posture 2018 09 25;65:182-189. Epub 2018 Jul 25.

Bern University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health Professions, Bern, Switzerland. Electronic address:

Background: Unilateral knee flexion contractures (KFC) are frequently seen in orthopedic rehabilitation and often interfere with the normal gait pattern, resulting in passive and/or active secondary deviations. In order to prevent KFC-related complications such as patellofemoral pain or the knee spine syndrome, a comprehensive understanding of such deviations is necessary.

Research Question: How does an artificially induced unilateral KFC affect whole body biomechanics in young healthy adults during gait?

Methods: Twenty-four healthy young adults (females/males: 13/11; mean age: 27. Read More

Prosthet Orthot Int 2018 Dec 17:309364618814866. Epub 2018 Dec 17.

2 Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oswestry, UK.

Background:: The Ponseti method for treating congenital talipes equinovarus requires an orthosis to maintain correction after manipulation and casting, typically the 'boots and bar'. Non-compliance with the orthosis increases the risk of recurrent deformity. This study investigates a new orthosis, the abduction dorsiflexion mechanism. Read More

Gait Posture 2019 Feb 6;68:269-273. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y Construcción, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain. Electronic address:

Background: Kinematic analysis could help to study how variations in the static foot posture affect lower limb biomechanical function. The analysis of foot kinematics is complex because it involves managing the time-dependent joint angles in different joints and in all three planes of motion. But it could be simplified if joint angles are coordinated. Read More

Orthopedics 2019 Jan 13;42(1):e138-e143. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Metatarsalgia can be viewed as more of a symptom rather than a distinct diagnosis. Timing of forefoot pain during the gait cycle and evaluation of whether the pain is from anatomic abnormalities, indirect overloading, or iatrogenic causes can suggest a specific metatarsalgia etiology. A thorough physical examination of the lower extremity, especially evaluation of the plantar foot, and weight-bearing radiographs are critical for diagnosis and treatment. Read More

J Biomech 2019 Jan 22;83:57-64. Epub 2018 Nov 22.

Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Mechanical tuning of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is important in improving gait in individuals post-stroke. Alignment and resistance are two factors that are tunable in articulated AFOs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of changing AFO ankle alignment on lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics with constant dorsiflexion and plantarflexion resistance in individuals post-stroke. Read More

J Biomech 2019 Jan 12;82:404. Epub 2018 Nov 12.

Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, UK.

Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2018 Jul;2018:2813-2816

Pathologic movement patterns are characterized by abnormal kinematics that alter how muscles support the body during walking. Individual muscles are often the target of interventions with physical therapy and surgery alike, yet the tools to assess individual muscles clinically remain limited. The aim of this study is to assess OpenSim as a clinical tool for individualized rehabilitative evaluation of children using orthotics. Read More

BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2018 Nov 13;19(1):398. Epub 2018 Nov 13.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, CB41, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Background: To review literature on bicycling participation, as well as facilitators and barriers for bicycling in people with a lower limb amputation (LLA).

Methods: Peer-reviewed, primary, full text, studies about bicycling in people with a LLA from midfoot level to hemipelvectomy were searched in Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl, Cochrane library, and Sportdiscus. No language or publication date restrictions were applied. Read More

J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2018 Nov 2. Epub 2018 Nov 2.

Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma On Yedi Eylul University, Bandırma, Turkey.

Background: In the relevant literature generalized hypermobility syndrome (GHS) has been shown to alter the kinetic and kinematic patterns of the human movement system. Although GHS affects the general body biomechanics of individuals, the body of knowledge in plantar pressure distribution in GHS is far from sufficient.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether individuals with joint hypermobility syndrome have abnormal plantar pressure distribution during normal gait compared to healthy individuals. Read More

Int J Sports Med 2018 Dec 7;39(14):1068-1074. Epub 2018 Nov 7.

School of Sports, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Greater functional knee valgus (FKV) is thought to contribute to a greater risk of sustaining overuse running injuries. The hip is commonly implicated in greater functional knee valgus, but no studies have investigated the effects of hip taping on running kinematics. The present study investigated whether or not hip taping altered hip and knee kinematics compared to sham and no taping in female runners demonstrating excessive functional knee valgus. Read More

Hum Mov Sci 2018 Dec 30;62:184-193. Epub 2018 Oct 30.

Mechanical Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address:

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) at lower thoracic levels might walk independently with the aid of mechanical orthoses and walker by using their unimpaired trunk and upper extremity muscles (TUEM). The required motor skills and the associated subtasks of the paraplegic locomotion, however, have not been well understood yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the coordination of the TUEM activities throughout the paraplegic gait cycle using synergy analysis. Read More

PLoS One 2018 22;13(10):e0202716. Epub 2018 Oct 22.

Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Prosthetic elevated vacuum is a suspension method used to reduce daily volume changes of the residual limb. Evaluation of the effectiveness of these systems is limited due to a lack of correlation to actual socket air pressure, particularly during unconstrained movements. This may explain some of the variability in functional outcomes reported in the literature. Read More

J Bone Joint Surg Am 2018 Oct;100(20):1781-1789

METRC Coordinating Center at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.

Background: The Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis (IDEO) is a custom energy-storing carbon fiber ankle-foot orthosis developed for lower-extremity trauma patients. Studies conducted at the military treatment facility where the IDEO was developed demonstrated benefits of the IDEO when used with the Return to Run Physical Therapy (RTR PT) program. The current study was designed to determine if results could be replicated at other military treatment facilities and to examine whether early performance gains in patient-reported functional outcomes remained at 12 months. Read More

Prosthet Orthot Int 2018 Oct 15:309364618805259. Epub 2018 Oct 15.

1 Department of Orthopaedic Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.

Background: For transfemoral amputations, the residual femoral length is critically important to prosthetic function. The aim of this report is to describe a novel method of extending femoral length and to assess its stability over time. Case Description and Methods: A 57-year-old woman with recurrent parosteal osteosarcoma was treated with above-knee amputation. Read More

Prosthet Orthot Int 2018 Oct 4:309364618796852. Epub 2018 Oct 4.

1 University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.

Background: Use of proprioceptive knee braces to control symptomology by altering neuromuscular control mechanisms has been shown in patellofemoral pain. Although their potential in patients with knee osteoarthritis is vast, little research has examined their efficacy.

Objectives: This study examines the effect of a proprioceptive knee brace on lower limb kinematics and kinetics in healthy participants and in participants with OA. Read More

Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2018 Nov 13;59:181-198. Epub 2018 Sep 13.

Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: Children with lower limb loss face gait and balance limitations. Prosthetic rehabilitation is thus aimed at improving functional capacity and mobility throughout the developmental phases of the child amputee. This review of literature was conducted to determine the characteristics of prosthetic gait and balance among children and adolescents with lower-limb amputation or other limb loss. Read More

J Neuroeng Rehabil 2018 Sep 5;15(Suppl 1):55. Epub 2018 Sep 5.

Dobson DaVanzo & Associates, LLC, 450 Maple Avenue East, Suite 303, Vienna, VA, 22180, USA.

Background: There are few studies of the economic value of orthotic and prosthetic services. A prior cohort study of orthotic and prosthetic Medicare beneficiaries based on Medicare Parts A and B claims from 2007 to 2010 concluded that patients who received timely orthotic or prosthetic care had comparable or lower total health care costs than a comparison group of untreated patients. This follow-up study reports on a parallel analysis based on Medicare claims from 2011 to 2014 and includes Part D in addition to Parts A and B services and expenditures. Read More

Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2018 Nov 13;59:117-129. Epub 2018 Sep 13.

École de Kinésiologie et des Sciences de l'Activité Physique, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Campus Laval, 1700 rue Jacques Tétreault, Laval H7N 0B6, QC, Canada; Institut de Génie Biomédical, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Campus Laval, 1700 rue Jacques Tétreault, Laval H7N 0B6, QC, Canada.

Background: Foot orthoses are commonly used for the management of excessive foot pronation in people with pes planovalgus. However, results are inconsistent due to variability in orthosis geometrical designs. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to classify and investigate the effects of foot orthoses, based on their design, in terms of lower limb kinematics and kinetics in people with pes planovalgus. Read More

J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2018 ;31(5):973-979

Prosthetics and Orthotics Department, Medical School, Dicle University, Diyarbakır, Turkey.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare clinical and demographic characteristics, functional status and quality of life among patients who underwent amputation for the most common reason in our region.

Methods: Demographic data, level of and reasons for undergoing amputation and clinical data on the use of prostheses in 126 patients were recorded. The amputees were divided into three groups: vascular, trauma and landmine. Read More

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2018 Oct 19;10(39):32935-32941. Epub 2018 Sep 19.

Electrically actuated ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) were designed and prototyped using shape memory textile composites. Acrylic copolymers were synthesized as the matrix to demonstrate shape memory effects, whereas electrothermal fabrics were embedded to generate uniform heat as a trigger. Superior to conventional polymeric orthoses, shape memory AFOs (SM-AFOs) could be repeatedly programmed at least 20 times with stable shape fixity and recovery. Read More

Wounds 2018 Oct 16;30(10):300-305. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Scriptum Medica, University Place, WA.

Introduction: Locally and neurally mediated vasodilation of the cutaneous vasculature has been shown to occur in response to locally and systemically applied heat stresses. The resultant shunting of blood to the periphery can be upwards of 7 L/min to 8 L/min when profound heat stresses are applied. The increased cutaneous circulation from local heat stress may benefit extremities afflicted with a wound or area of compromised arterial supply. Read More

BMC Res Notes 2018 Sep 5;11(1):649. Epub 2018 Sep 5.

Institute Biomedical Technology (IBiTech)-bioMMeda, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Block B, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.

Objective: The purpose of this study was the construction of a new semi-automated experimental setup for the evaluation of the stiffness of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) around an axis aligned to the anatomical ankle joint during the second rocker of the gait. The setup, developed in close collaboration with the orthopedic device company V!GO NV (Wetteren, Belgium), allows measurement of plantarflexion and dorsiflexion in the sagittal plane for a maximal range of motion of 50° (- 25° plantarflexion up to 25° dorsiflexion) in a non-destructive way.

Results: The mechanical properties of four 3D printed AFOs are investigated, based on the ranges of motion derived from the gait assessment of the patients when they walked with their AFO. Read More

Disabil Rehabil 2018 Sep 5:1-8. Epub 2018 Sep 5.

a Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , IL , USA.

Purpose: To gather ideas from lower-limb prosthesis users and certified prosthetists regarding possible residual limb monitoring system features and data presentation. We also gathered information on the type of residual limb problems typically encountered, how they currently manage those problems, and their ideas for methods to better manage them.

Materials And Methods: Two focus groups were held; one with certified prosthetists and another with lower-limb prosthesis users. Read More

Ann Rehabil Med 2018 Aug 31;42(4):634-638. Epub 2018 Aug 31.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

The application of three-dimensional (3D) printing is growing explosively in the medical field, and is especially widespread in the clinical use of fabricating upper limb orthosis and prosthesis. Advantages of 3D-printed orthosis compared to conventional ones include its lower cost, easier modification, and faster fabrication. Hands are the most common body parts involved with burn victims and one of the main complications of hand burns are finger joint contractures. Read More

Med Sci Monit 2018 Sep 4;24:6157-6164. Epub 2018 Sep 4.

Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland).

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 2 methods for treating toe-in gait in children (reverse-shoe wearing and orthopedic insoles) and to determine whether reverse-shoe wearing results in hallux valgus. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between July 2012 and July 2014, 337 children diagnosed with toe-in gait over 2 years were recruited. For 139 children, parents selected use of reverse-shoe wearing treatment (RS group) and for 198 children, parents selected orthopedic insoles treatment (OI group). Read More

First Annu IEEE Conf Control Technol Appl (2017) 2017 Aug 9;2017:847-852. Epub 2017 Oct 9.

Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080.

Human gait involves a repetitive cycle of movements, and the phase of gait represents the location in this cycle. Gait phase is measured across many areas of study (e.g. Read More

Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2018 Nov 10;59:47-55. Epub 2018 Aug 10.

Department of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Background: Resistance is a key mechanical property of an ankle-foot orthosis that affects gait in individuals post-stroke. Triple Action® joints allow independent adjustment of plantarflexion resistance and dorsiflexion resistance of an ankle-foot orthosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of incremental changes in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion resistance of an articulated ankle-foot orthosis with the Triple Action joints on lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics in individuals post-stroke during gait. Read More

Phys Ther Sport 2018 Nov 15;34:21-27. Epub 2018 Aug 15.

Centre for Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire, UK.

Objective: Explore the effects of a 4-week intervention using semi-custom insoles in recreational runners with patellofemoral pain.

Design: Mixed methods.

Participants: Seventeen (10 males and 7 females) recreational runners. Read More

Prosthet Orthot Int 2018 Aug 16:309364618792943. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

2 International Prosthetics and Orthotics, Bohemia, NY, USA.

Background: Wellness activities can benefit health, yet committed adherence is challenging.

Objectives: Identify factors associated with committed participation in an amputee wellness-walking program and determine benefits of committed participation.

Study Design: Prospective longitudinal cohort. Read More

Prosthet Orthot Int 2018 Aug 16:309364618792730. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.

Background: Ambulation with a prosthesis is the ultimate goal of rehabilitation for a person with a major lower limb amputation. Due to challenges with prosthetic service delivery in rural settings, many patients with amputations are not benefitting from prosthetic interventions. Inaccessibility to prosthetic services results in worse functional outcomes and quality of life. Read More

Prosthet Orthot Int 2018 Aug 7:309364618791615. Epub 2018 Aug 7.

2 Div Orthopaedic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.

Background: Different types of ankle-foot orthoses are commonly used following lower limb surgery in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. After three-dimensional gait analysis 1 year postoperatively, many children are recommended continued use of ankle-foot orthoses.

Objectives: Our aims were to quantify the impact of ankle-foot orthoses on gait 1 year postoperatively and evaluate predictors for clinically important improvement. Read More

Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc 2018 Sep 3;52(5):348-351. Epub 2018 Aug 3.

Orthotics and Prosthetics Department, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Objective: The aim of this study was to document long-term symptoms and functional results following war-related knee disarticulation, trans-femoral amputation, and hip disarticulation.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in a 7-day recreational camp in Iran. One thousand patients with unilateral hip disarticulation, trans-femoral amputation and knee disarticulation due to war-related injuries were invited to undergo a thorough physical examination. Read More

Prosthet Orthot Int 2019 Feb 27;43(1):55-61. Epub 2018 Jul 27.

1 Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan.

Background:: A stance-yielding mechanism for prosthetic knees may reduce lower limb loading during specific activities, but quantitative data are insufficient.

Objectives:: To clarify the biomechanical effect of a non-microprocessor-controlled stance-yielding mechanism on ramp descent for individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation.

Study Design:: Intra-subject intervention study. Read More

PM R 2018 Jul 19. Epub 2018 Jul 19.

Department of Physical Therapy, Delaware Limb Loss, University of Delaware, 540 S. College Ave., Suite 210JJ, Newark, DE 19713. Electronic address:

Background: There is large variation in administration of performance-based, dynamic balance measures among adults with lower-limb amputation (LLA). Further, there has been limited exploration of test-retest reliability of these measures in adults with lower-limb loss, including whether there is a difference in reliability if one records "best" versus "average" performance across trials.

Objective: To determine test-retest reliability of several balance tests for both "best" and "average" score performance in community-dwelling adults with a unilateral LLA, including quantification of the precision of individual scores (standard error of the measurement, SEM) and estimates of minimal detectable change (MDC). Read More

BMJ Open 2018 Jul 16;8(7):e021039. Epub 2018 Jul 16.

Biomechatronics and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Goteborg, Sweden.

Introduction: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a chronic condition that can greatly diminish quality of life. Control over the phantom limb and exercise of such control have been hypothesised to reverse maladaptive brain changes correlated to PLP. Preliminary investigations have shown that decoding motor volition using myoelectric pattern recognition, while providing real-time feedback via virtual and augmented reality (VR-AR), facilitates phantom motor execution (PME) and reduces PLP. Read More

J Foot Ankle Res 2018 15;11:31. Epub 2018 Jun 15.

3Discipline of Podiatry, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia.

Background: The area beneath the metatarsal heads is a common location of foot pain, which is often associated with high plantar pressures. Current plantar pressure assessment protocols focus mainly on the gross area of the forefoot with minimal attention paid to specific areas such as the metatarsal heads. The aim of this study was to develop and assess a new anatomically-based masking protocol that is clinically relevant to measure forefoot plantar pressure during shod conditions based on the anatomical positions of the metatarsal heads. Read More

Physiother Theory Pract 2018 Jun 28:1-8. Epub 2018 Jun 28.

e College of Health Sciences , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA.

Objective: To explore relationships between balance-confidence and: 1) community participation; 2) self-perceived mobility; and 3) performance-based physical function among individuals with a lower-limb amputation using a prosthetic.

Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Setting: Outpatient, multidisciplinary amputee clinic. Read More

Int J Rehabil Res 2018 Sep;41(3):270-275

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

This is a Retrospective descriptive study. Orthoses and walking aids are used frequently in stroke rehabilitation to facilitate ambulation. The aim was to describe the regularity of orthosis use and the reasons for disuse in stroke after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Read More

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2018 May 17;108(3):215-224. Epub 2017 May 17.

Background: Biomechanical analysis of foot loading characteristics may provide insights into the injury mechanisms and guide orthotic prescription for basketball players. This study aimed to quantify in-shoe plantar pressure profiles in amateur players when executing typical basketball movements.

Methods: Twenty male university basketball players performed four basketball-specific movement tasks-running, maximal forward sprinting, maximal 45° cutting, and layup-in a pair of standardized basketball shoes fitted with an in-shoe plantar pressure measurement system. Read More

Med Sci Monit 2018 Jun 13;24:4031-4037. Epub 2018 Jun 13.

Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Sadi Konuk Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

BACKGROUND The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the frequency of admissions, reason for admissions, and test socket satisfaction in patients who received a lower-limb prosthesis with or without a test socket in our unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 88 patients (54 men, 34 women) were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the group with test socket (Group I, 44 patients) and the group without test socket (Group II, 44 patients). Read More

Gait Posture 2018 07 4;64:101-107. Epub 2018 Jun 4.

School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2500, Australia. Electronic address:

Background: Long-distance walking is a convenient way for prompting physical activity of elderly people. However, walking ability declines with aging.

Research Question: This study assessed if silicone insoles with heel lifts (named here the prescribed insoles) could facilitate long-distance walking of older adults. Read More

Restor Neurol Neurosci 2018 ;36(4):547-558

Department of Rehabilitation, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

Background: Contralesional 'drop foot' after stroke is usually treated with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). However, AFOs may hamper ankle motion during stance. Peroneal functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an alternative treatment that provides active dorsiflexion and allows normal ankle motion. Read More