Abstract
Study design:
Pilot study.
Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate an electromechanical stance control (SC) knee joint, 'sensor lock', which could potentially solve the problems of walking parameters and gait symmetry in subjects with poliomyelitis.
Setting:
University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Methods:
Six subjects with quadriceps weakness were enrolled in this study. A custom-made stance-control knee–ankle–foot orthosis (SCKAFO) with the same set of components was constructed for each participant. A motion analysis system was used for analysis of lower limb kinematics.
Results:
There were no significant differences between the knee–ankle–foot orthoses (KAFOs) and the two types of knee joints with regard to temporal–spatial parameters. Walking speed and cadence reduced and stride length increased in the stance control (SC) mode compared to the knee joint locked mode. The maximum knee flexion angle during swing phase increased when walking with SC mode compared to walking with the KAFO in knee joint lock mode. There was a significant difference between two test conditions with regard to hip flexion. There were only significant differences in the symmetry index of the knee flexion between two test conditions.
Conclusion:
Compared to locked knee mode, SC mode demonstrated a slower speed of walking and increased peak knee flexion during swing. Regarding gait symmetry, the symmetry index of the knee flexion and speed of walking decreased when the KAFO with SC mode was used compared to KAFO with knee joint locked mode.
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Acknowledgements
We thank the iranian National Science Foundation for financial support of this study.
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Asadi, F., Arazpour, M., Bani, M. et al. The effect of 'Sensor Lock', a knee–ankle–foot orthosis with an electromechanical stance control knee joint, on walking parameters and gait symmetry of subjects with quadriceps weakness: a pilot study. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 3, 17035 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/scsandc.2017.35
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/scsandc.2017.35
