Article

Much previous research on orthotic walkers has focussed on
their ability to offload structures in the foot and ankle; however, little is
known about their effects on lower limb mechanics.
This study aimed to determine
effects of two orthotic walkers on the biomechanics of the knee and hip joints
compared to standardised footwear. TECHNIQUE:
A total of 10 healthy participants
walked under three conditions: Walker A (Ossur, Iceland), Walker B (DJO Global,
USA) and standardised footwear (Hotter, UK). Kinematic and kinetic data were
collected using a Qualisys motion analysis system (Qualisys Medical AB, Sweden)
and force plates (AMTI, Boston, MA, USA). Significant differences were seen in
hip kinematics and knee moments between walkers and standardised footwear and in
knee kinematics between Walker A and standardised footwear. DISCUSSION: Both
walkers show significant kinematic and kinetic differences compared with
standardised footwear; however, Walker A appeared to produce greater deviation,
including potentially damaging greater hyperextension moments at the knee.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
Further research is needed into the effects of orthotic
walkers on knee and hip joint mechanics, which should help to inform future
designs of walker, with greater focus on obtaining a more normal gait pattern.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS