Biomechanics

Human movement science

Orthotics and Their Role in Improving Gait and Treating Deformities in Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Otto Bock WalkOn Reaction AFO by Nader Ibrahim, July 8, 2025 The O&P Edge in EDGE Advantage This research was completed as a project during the author’s studies at New Cairo Technological University, Egypt. ▽ Table of Contents … READ MORE

‘Everyone said it was impossible’: disabled hikers find freedom through off-road wheelchairs

Using an all-terrain vehicle that’s essentially the Jeep of wheelchairs, a New York tour group helps disabled people get on the trail. Eddie Slick poses for a portrait in a densely forested part of the trail at Mohonk preserve in … READ MORE

AFO Stiffness Tested for Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment

UD’s Big Ideas Challenge advances novel approach to help people with Achilles tendinopathy keep moving. Elisa Arch (right), associate professor of kinesiology and applied physiology, and biomechanics and movement science doctoral … READ MORE

Prescribed Precision: Dosing AFO Stiffness for Maximum Outcomes

Henning with WalkOn Reaction AFO. Otto Bock by Kendall Brice, MS, CPO The O&P Edge November 1, 2025 An AFO’s fundamental function is to manipulate the orientation and progression of force about the body to improve alignment and … READ MORE

Canadian Para cyclist Mel Pemble turns the page on Paralympic heartbreak with historic world title

Victoria native wins new C-class sprint event as part of 4-medal haul on the track in Rio. Canadian Para-cyclist Mel Pemble burst onto the scene last month in France at her first Para-cycling track world championships, where she broke … READ MORE

WestJet weight cap on power wheelchairs leaves some Canadians grounded, advocates say

Mobility aids capped at 136 kg for most flights, airline says. WestJet passengers deplane on the tarmac at Yellowknife Airport on July 22, 2025. Travellers and advocates say a limit on the weight of mobility aids aboard most WestJet … READ MORE

Saskatoon family confused after WestJet cancels tickets due to wheelchair’s weight

14-year-old Georgia Nataraj has flown with WestJet from Saskatoon before, in the same wheelchair. Georgia Nataraj says she loves playing piano, but is even more interested in travelling. Halyna Mihalik/CBC Halyna Mihalik, CBC News … READ MORE

Boosting Mobility With the Evoke™ Bespoke 3D-Printed Knee Brace

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions worldwide, impairing daily activities and active lifestyles. Characterized by progressive cartilage degradation, knee OA leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced … READ MORE

3D-Printed Orthoses Show Clinical Improvements

Otto Bock WalkOn Reaction AFO by The O&P EDGE, September 2, 2025 A team of researchers conducted a literature review across six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Sage) to evaluate the clinical … READ MORE

How small changes in walking technique may help treat knee osteoarthritis

Subtly adjusting foot angle during walking, tailored to each individual’s gait, can reduce knee pain and slow cartilage degeneration in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. This personalized, noninvasive approach decreases … READ MORE

Digital Tools Measure AFO Alignment Accurately

A study evaluating pediatric AFO alignment and shape differences of live scanned versus casted lower-limb models found that AFO users can be scanned in a nearly corrected position, and that digital tools can be used to measure and … READ MORE

Robot helps children walk as part of pilot project at Calgary schools

Robotic walking device will support students with neurodevelopmental disabilities. A University of Calgary project is exploring the use of robot-assisted walking devices called Trexos. The project’s director says such devices … READ MORE

Reactive-dynamic AFOs demonstrate gait, comfort benefits

A study published in the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics evaluates the effectiveness of ankle-foot orthoses for patients with neurological conditions causing muscle weakness. WalkOn® Family of AFOs. Ottobock Researchers found … READ MORE

Why do some autistic people walk differently?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people’s brains develop and function, impacting behavior, communication and socializing. It can also involve differences in the way you move and walk—known as your … READ MORE

Surestep SMOs (Supramalleolar Orthosis)

Surestep Surestep’s dynamic SMOs (supramalleolar orthoses) use compression to stabilize the foot and ankle, allowing for the development of intrinsic muscles, muscle strategies, and movement patterns. Surestep is the most effective … READ MORE

Prescribed Precision: Dosing AFO Stiffness for Maximum Outcomes

An AFO’s fundamental function is to manipulate the orientation and progression of force about the body to improve alignment and gait. Allard Photo by Kendall Brice, MS, CPO, The O&P EDGE November 1, 2025 Biomechanics is the core … READ MORE

uOttawa engineering students innovate wheelchair-accessible fitness equipment

A team of five engineering students from the University of Ottawa has developed a prototype that’s transforming the fitness experience for individuals with mobility challenges. The prototype makes a standard Concept2 rower … READ MORE

Stimulating hypothalamus restores walking in paralyzed patients

The discovery that an unexpected brain region is crucial for walking recovery in mice with spinal cord injuries has led a deep brain stimulation therapy in humans. The approach restored enough leg control in two individuals with … READ MORE

Local therapy facility for disabled children attracting families from all over the world

Kate McLelland is almost three years old and was born with a rare genetic condition. Her parents have found hope to improve her quality of life through the Canadian Centre for Development in Calgary. CTV News Kevin Fleming, Video … READ MORE

Dynamic AFOs may improve gait outcomes in stroke patients

A study of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis who used a dynamic ankle-foot orthosis with plantar flexion resistance found that a medium PFR grade showed near-normal maximal peak ankle dorsiflexion. Researchers noted in the journal … READ MORE

Surgery helps young kids with cerebral palsy walk, regardless of age

A surgery that helps 7- to 10-year-olds with cerebral palsy walk also helps older kids and teens with the condition, a groundbreaking study shows. Walk-DMC is a new, quantifiable measure of motor control in children with cerebral … READ MORE

Painful truth about knee osteoarthritis: Why inactivity may be more complex than we think

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of pain and joint stiffness. And while physical activity is known to ease symptoms, only one in 10 people regularly exercise. Evoke™ knee brace. OssKin University of South Australia 12 … READ MORE

Children with special health needs are more likely to come from poorer neighbourhoods

Policymakers must ensure robust resources are in place where they are needed most. Unsplash CC0 Public Domain By Caroline Reid-Westoby and Magdalena Janus, The Conversation June 5, 2024 via Medical Xpress Children’s health depends … READ MORE

Kinesiologists could be part of solution for overwhelmed health-care system

Moncton professor says kinesiology grads ready and able to keep patients out of hospital. Natalie Arsenault says kinesiologists graduate with a degree that prepares them to help people prevent injuries, remain active and improve their … READ MORE

Happiness may not correlate with mobility in pediatric patients with physical disabilities

Key takeaways: Pediatric patients with physical disabilities had limited mobility and higher pain scores vs. typically developing youth. Results showed happiness did not correlate with motor function. Surestep By Casey Tingle, Fact … READ MORE

Defining chronic pain for high-performance athletes with disabilities

UBCO study says customized training and recovery plans critical to success. Wheelchair racing, Paralympics. September 28, 2021. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain University of British Columbia Okanagan, Patty Wellborn August 27, 2024 … READ MORE

‘A slap in the face’: Categorizing process aimed at making Para sport equitable is sometimes anything but

Issue of classification is a thorny subject within Paralympic circles. Charlottetown’s Amy Burk is heading to the Paralympic Games in Rio at the end of the month. (Submitted) CBC August 26, 2016 Myles Dichter, CBC Sports August … READ MORE

New kinds of padding could make football gear, bike helmets safer than ever

Making the world a little softer. In lab experiments, engineers at CU Boulder 3D printed new designs for padding, then crushed them with a powerful machine. The team’s creations stood up to the impacts, absorbing several times more … READ MORE

How families of children with disabilities can find support

Susana Ruiz sat in the doctor’s exam room in San Jose, unable to smile, open her right eye, or even take a sip of water. Susana Ruiz with her youngest son. Photo by Manuel Ruiz. By Claudia Boyd-Barrett, California Health Report … READ MORE

Three Wheelchair Users Announced as 2023 Winners of Neilsen Foundation’s $1 Million Visionary Prize

On Sept. 19, Craig H. Neilsen Foundation revealed the 2023 winners of its annual Visionary Prize, given to individuals who are working to make the world a better place for people living with spinal cord injuries. This year’s awards … READ MORE

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