The proposed study evaluates the effect of ankle foot orthosis (AFO) heel height and stiffness on the forces and motion of the lower limb during over-ground walking in individuals who use an AFO for daily walking. Previous studies suggest that heel height and stiffness effect limb loading, but these data and the analysis techniques applied are limited. In this study, heel cushions with different height and stiffness's (4 conditions) will be placed in participants shoes and they will walk at controlled and self-selected speeds. Participants will also walk with their AFO as configured prior to enrollment, and with no AFO if possible. The proposed study will provide evidence that can be used by clinicians and researchers to align braces that most effectively improve function during every-day walking.
In this study the investigators to evaluate the effect of ankle foot orthosis (AFO) heel height and stiffness on the forces and motion of the lower limb during over-ground walking in individuals who use an AFO for daily walking. Previous studies suggest that heel height and stiffness effect limb loading, but these data and the analysis techniques applied are limited. Two groups of subjects with impairments below the knee, that result in functional deficits and require daily AFO use, will be recruited for this study. The first group will have unilateral deficits associated with musculoskeletal injury or disease (Group 1), and the second group will have bilateral or unilateral deficits associated with peripheral nervous system disease (Group 2). Lower limb forces and body motion will be assessed using computerized motion capture and force plates in the floor, as individuals walk over-ground. Small reflective markers placed on the participant's skin and force measuring plates in the floor will be used. Participants will walk with their clinically provided AFO, with added heel cushions of two different heights and stiffness's (4 conditions) at a controlled velocity and self-selected velocity. If able, they will walk without their AFO at a self-selected pace. Participants will be asked to provide information regarding their health condition and opinions of the conditions tested.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
Tall heel wedge made of soft foam
Tall heel wedge made of firm foam
Short heel wedge made of soft foam
Short heel wedge made of firm foam
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
RECRUITINGCenter of pressure velocity timing
Timing of peak center of pressure velocity (percent stance) during gait.
Time frame: Baseline
Center of pressure velocity magnitude
Magnitude of peak center of pressure velocity (m/s) during gait.
Time frame: Baseline
Modified Socket Comfort Score (Comfort)
Comfort scores range from 0 = most uncomfortable to 10 = most comfortable.
Time frame: Baseline
Modified Socket Comfort Score (Smoothness)
Smoothness scores range from 0 = least smooth to 10 = most smooth.
Time frame: Baseline
Numerical Pain Rating Scale
Pain will be assessed using a standard 11-point numerical pain rating scale, in which 0 = no pain and 10 = worst pain imaginable.
Time frame: Baseline
Participant wedge preference
The participant will rank order their preference for their Clinical AFO, Tall Soft, Tall Firm, Short Soft, or Short Firm wedge on a questionnaire.
Time frame: Baseline
Ankle Range of Motion
Ankle range of motion (degrees) during gait.
Time frame: Baseline
Peak Ankle Moment
Peak ankle moment (Nm/kg) during gait.
Time frame: Baseline
Peak Ankle Power
Peak ankle power (W/kg) during gait.
Time frame: Baseline
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.