Lower limb

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

UW, Hanger Institute Develop Orthosis Mobility Measurement Tool

Findings from a study conducted by the Hanger Institute for Clinical Research and Education and the University of Washington describe a new patient-reported outcome measure developed for people who use lower-limb orthoses. The SAFO … 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

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

Joint replacement surgery, arthritis are not inevitable

Don’t worry about your hips or knees as you age. Arthritis in those joints isn’t inevitable. Keep doing the activities you enjoy. Those hopeful words come from Rafael Sierra, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic … READ MORE

New research sheds light on “Runner’s Knee”

The new study finds personalized rehabilitation may be needed to effectively address chronic knee pain. Photo by Andrew Tanglao on Unsplash Anna Zarra Aldrich, University of Connecticut September 19, 2023 Neal Glaviano, assistant … READ MORE

Principles of Ankle-Foot Orthosis Prescription in Ambulatory Bilateral Cerebral Palsy

Brittany, a patient at Shriners Hospital for Children—Chicago rides an adaptive bike with a recreation therapist. Shriners Hospital for Children, Chicago photo. Abstract Maintenance of upright posture and gait mobility is frequently … READ MORE

A pose-mapping technique could remotely evaluate patients with cerebral palsy

The machine-learning method works on most mobile devices and could be expanded to assess other motor disorders outside of the doctor’s office. MIT engineers developed a machine-learning system that remotely analyzes videos of people … READ MORE

Researchers develop technology to treat Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT)

The research team led by Professor Minseok Kim from the Department of New Biology at DGIST (President Yang Kuk) has developed a technology that can treat Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, an incurable hereditary disease, with … READ MORE

New strategies needed to support parents of children with severe CP, study finds

Healthcare professionals should develop new strategies for helping to fulfill the now unmet needs of parents whose children have severe cerebral palsy, beginning with improving education about the disease and aiding them in getting … READ MORE

AFO wear time affects activity level in children with CP

A research study comparing the body functions and structures, activity and participation levels, and environmental factors to AFO-wearing time in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) found that prolonged AFO-wearing time was … READ MORE

Calgary researchers building one of ‘key centres in the world’ for neurological disorder therapies

A new network of health researchers and providers is working to introduce innovative therapies, clinical trials and technology for people with spinal cord injury, stroke and movement impairments. Dr. Elizabeth Condliffe, specialist in … READ MORE

Military dogs at Premier Rehab Center do push-ups and yoga

‘Canine tactical athletes’ are flown in from around the world for care. Some patients are so eager to get started they body slam the clinic’s doors. Hundreds of dogs are treated each year at the military working dog hospital in … READ MORE

Mobility specialists looking to quit profession

Study reveals a third of orthotists working privately and in NHS seek a way out. An orthotist at Shriners Hospital for Children—Twin Cities works on a custom device. Photo courtesy of Shriners Hospital for Children, Twin Cities. An … READ MORE

Cerebral palsy doesn’t cause death in adults, so why is it still listed as an underlying cause?

Listing cerebral palsy as the main cause of death for adults with the disease can contribute to a lack of understanding about how the condition interacts with various secondary illnesses and complications. Cerebral palsy should never … READ MORE

Improving the accuracy of markerless gait analysis

Researchers combine RGB camera-based pose estimation and an inertial measurement unit sensor to reduce errors in gait analysis A more accurate markerless gait analysis tool. TUS researchers develop a method that enables accurate gait … READ MORE

Tips on how to prevent dementia as we grow older

Aging is inevitable, but there are ways to improve our ‘health span’ and prevent dementia. Aging Well: Avoiding Dementia. Dr. Howard Chertkow offers 15 pieces of advice that we can all follow to reduce our risk of dementia. The … READ MORE

Quarter of former Olympians suffer from osteoarthritis

Competing at elite level in sport is linked with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis and joint pain in later life, a study suggests. Elite retired sportspeople who had experienced a sports-related injury had a higher chance … READ MORE

Pediatricians get new guidance on Cerebral palsy

A pair of major health organizations are issuing new guidance to doctors about how to identify children with cerebral palsy and appropriately treat the condition. Emily Pineda, who has cerebral palsy, walks with the help of pediatric … READ MORE

Ruptured ACLs can heal without surgery, study finds

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures can heal without surgery and this could be key to better patient outcomes, according to new findings challenging the common notion that an ACL injury cannot heal. A new study challenges the … READ MORE

Non-invasive spinal modulation for Cerebral palsy

SpineX, a medtech company based in California, has developed the Spinal Cord Innovation in Pediatrics (SCiP) device, a non-invasive spinal cord neuromodulation technology that is intended to treat children with cerebral palsy. Conn … READ MORE

Boots and balls made for men an injury risk to women footballers

Women football players require specifically tailored products such as kit, boots, and balls in order to optimise their performance and safety on the pitch, according to a paper published in Sports Engineering. The authors conclude … READ MORE

Modern approaches to AFOs

AFOs have made strides since their days of bulky and restraining leather and metal componentry. But even the customized thermoplastic devices used by much of the profession still have limitations, the experts say. WalkOn® Family of … READ MORE

Smart textiles sense how their users are moving

Researchers develop a comfortable, form-fitting fabric that recognizes its wearer’s activities, like walking, running, and jumping. Using a novel fabrication process, MIT researchers have produced smart textiles that snugly conform … READ MORE

3D printing leads to light-weight knee brace for the elderly

A lighter, yet more robust knee brace for the elderly who suffer from knee problems has been developed locally by Singapore engineering firm Delsson, in a collaboration with 3D printing specialists from Nanyang Technological … READ MORE

Long-term positive impacts and cost effectiveness of REACT for over 65s

The ‘REtirement in ACTion’ programme helps prevent physical decline, reduces the need for health care and is highly cost-effective for those in later life. REACT participants from the Easton group in Bristol. Alex Rotas photo Andy … READ MORE

AFO configuration can improve efficacy of the orthotic intervention on gait patterns in CP patients

Cerebral Palsy (CP) represents the most common cause of motor disability in childhood with dysfunctional gait being one of the main problems. Figure. The ankle-foot orthosis used in the study showing the 2 configurations: hinged AFO, … READ MORE

Older people in good shape have fitter brains

Seventy- to eighty-year-olds who train for better fitness are better at solving cognitive tasks and are less likely to suffer cognitive impairment. How should older people train to get in better shape? What’s most important, … READ MORE

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