Lower limb | Braceworks Custom Orthotics

Orthosis use in children with Down syndrome

The literature on preschool-aged and older children with Down syndrome tends to be consistent with conventional understanding of orthotic principles, but in very young children clinical decision-making about orthoses must also … READ MORE

Personalized strength training may benefit mobility of children with cerebral palsy

Strength training has the potential to reduce muscle weakness and improve walking ability of children with cerebral palsy (CP), but should be adapted to each child’s muscle response, according to a study published in the Journal … READ MORE

Non-invasive brain stimulation may help treat symptoms of rare movement disorders

Electrical stimulation of the brain and spinal cord may help treat the symptoms of rare movement disorders called neurodegenerative ataxias, according to a study published in the August 22, 2018, online issue of Neurology, the medical … READ MORE

Physiatry Bracing/Orthotics Clinic – Foothills Medical Centre, Alberta Health Services

NEW Bracing Clinic for adults with complex conditions. Conditions include nerve injury, burns, spinal cord injury, stroke, myopathy brain injury, cerebral palsy, sports injury, or inflammatory arthritis. Referrals from Family … READ MORE

Gait scores can help identify CMT and determine severity, study suggests

Two scores that evaluate gait characteristics may help differentiate between those who have Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease and those who are not affected, according to a study. Making adjustments: Jori Reijonen, of Kalamazoo, wears … READ MORE

New physical activity guidelines – A call to activity for clinicians and patients

This issue of JAMA includes a summary of the new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. These guidelines update those presented in 2008 and expand the medical conditions for which physical activity is likely … READ MORE

On bended knees: Two steps forward, one step back

Sun Media national lifestyle and food editor Rita DeMontis recently wrote about her struggles with advanced osteoarthritis knee issues, and how she faced the toughest challenge of her life: Bilateral knee surgery. In Part Four of her … READ MORE

Wearable sensors help prevent falls

Motion sensors on the wrist evaluate the risk of falling for elderly people in everyday life – Basis for better preventative measures. Fall prevention is an important issue in the health care of the elderly. Markus Breig, KIT Sarah … READ MORE

First 3D colour x-ray of a human using CERN technology

What if, instead of a black and white X-ray picture, a doctor of a cancer patient had access to colour images identifying the tissues being scanned? This colour X-ray imaging technique could produce clearer and more accurate pictures … READ MORE

Scientists uncover why knee joint injury leads to osteoarthritis

Knee joint injuries are typically related to sports, such as football, rugby or ice hockey, but people often do not know that such injuries may lead to joint inflammation and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. OssKin Evoke University of … READ MORE

Nike signs runner with cerebral palsy

A junior at the University of Oregon, Justin Gallegos becomes the first athlete with cerebral palsy to sign a pro contract with Nike. A lifelong race: Justin Gallegos doesn’t let Cerebral Palsy keep him from running. Adam Eberhardt, … READ MORE

Finding shoes for kids with disabilities is hard. It shouldn’t be

Author Cassi Young’s son Luke can’t wear standard shoes because they don’t fit over his ankle-foot orthotic braces. Cassi Young photo My son, Luke, was born 18 months ago with myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina … READ MORE

New biomechanical footwear relieves knee OA pain

A new biomechanical footwear system was effective in relieving pain and improving physical function among patients with knee osteoarthritis, according to results of a randomized controlled trial presented at the ACR/ARHP 2018 Annual … READ MORE

4-year-old Michigan girl with cerebral palsy takes first steps: ‘I’m walking!’

A little girl with cerebral palsy defied doctors’ expectations when she took her first steps much earlier than expected. Maya Tisdale. Her mother said that Maya’s dream “is to walk.” Ann Tisdale in ABC News By … READ MORE

Dancer’s path offers hope of walking for Orchard Park boy

Easton Jordan works on his walking steps with his physical therapist Elizabeth Bailey-Sands Clay at his home in Orchard Park NY. Mark Mulville, Buffalo News By Scott Scanlon, The Buffalo News June 9, 2017 Easton Jordan has seen Lauren … READ MORE

The stages of knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that often affects the knee. In the first stage, symptoms are mild, but by the fourth, a person may need surgery. Conservative biomechanical strategies for knee osteoarthritis. Paulo … READ MORE

Energy efficiency with AFO use varies in cerebral palsy patients

Longer strides lead to increased work. Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are regularly prescribed to children with walking disabilities resulting from cerebral palsy, yet the effects of AFOs on energy recovery and work during gait are still … READ MORE

Cartilage degeneration algorithm predicts progression of osteoarthritis

A novel cartilage degeneration algorithm can predict the progression of osteoarthritis in individual patients, according to new research from the University of Eastern Finland. The new algorithm could greatly facilitate clinical … READ MORE

Learning to improve foot control in cerebral palsy

A device to measure foot control is being trialled to improve walking ability for adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy. Learning to improve foot control in Cerebral Palsy, Shari O’Brien. School of Human Movement and … READ MORE

On bended knees: It’s a prehab, rehab life

SUN Media national lifestyle and food editor Rita DeMontis recently wrote about her struggles with advanced osteoarthritis knee issues, and how she faced the toughest challenge of her life: Bilateral knee surgery. Here, in Part Three … READ MORE

On bended knees: Rita DeMontis tackles surgery day

SUN Media national lifestyle and food editor Rita DeMontis recently wrote about her struggles with advanced osteoarthritis knee issues, and how she faced the toughest challenge of her life: Bilateral knee surgery. Just recently she … READ MORE

On bended knees: Preparing for surgery

I come to you on bended knees. Well, I would if I could bend them – but I can’t. For the last several years, my knees have progressively failed me, and I’ve gone from running to walking to hobbling to using a cane. I’ve had … READ MORE

Intensive physical therapy helps preserve motor skills in children with CP

Children with cerebral palsy may benefit significantly over the long-term from intensive physical training that prevents deterioration of their motor skills. Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield, Mass Alice Melão, Cerebral … READ MORE

Zimmer Biomet and Apple launch major clinical study detailing patient experience and improving joint replacement journey

Clinical study utilizes the Zimmer Biomet mymobility™ app on Apple Watch and iPhone to guide patients through pre- and post-op care. Art Salzfass, 83, and Rhona Lishinsky, 67, test the Apple Watch Series 4. Geoffrey A. Fowler, … READ MORE

What to expect from knee surgery rehabilitation

A person may have knee surgery to treat pain in the joint due to an injury, such as torn cartilage or a torn ligament. It can also treat other conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. … READ MORE

Updated evidence on the efficacy of AFOs in children with cerebral palsy

Summary. The good news is that AFOs appear to provide clinical benefits in the management of CP. The bad news is that these benefits are modest relative to the gait deficits experienced by this population, and global indices of gait … READ MORE

Science and sociology of footwear

The design and construction of footwear is constantly evolving in order to maximise its role of providing protection for the external environment, accommodate bony and soft tissue problems and assist in the biomechanical function of … READ MORE

Ankle-foot orthoses and functional electrical stimulation for foot drop in MS

Assistive ambulation devices for the ankle can bolster walking speed and safety and lessen the risk of injury to the joint. But which of 2 technologies is best for your patient? An FES device can help some people with foot drop walk … READ MORE

Innovative approach to improve walking in children with CP

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $2.5 million translational research grant over five years to Noelle Moreau, PhD PT, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at LSU Health New Orleans School of Allied Health Professions, … READ MORE

Children should spend more time barefoot to encourage a healthier foot structure

Humans have gone unshod for millions of years; it is only in the last few centuries that people have started wearing shoes. However, a recent survey shows that shoe wearing among young boys isn’t universal. German children and … READ MORE