Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-130)

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-135).

Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 91-100). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 91-100).

Background. Accidental falls comprise a serious health concern in older adults. Partially accounting for the high incidence rates is postural instability. While customized foot orthotics can improve certain measures of functional stability, the purpose of this study was to explore the degree to which prefabricated orthotics benefit this population and to expand the evidence base to postural stability. Methods. Eighteen healthy older adults (72.7 ± 4.8 years) were evaluated with and without foot orthotics, and again following 2-3 weeks of use. Functional stability was evaluated via the Timed-Up-and-Go test and the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale. Computerized posturography was used to assess stability in altered sensory environments (Sensory Organization Test) and to assess overall stability limits (Limits of Stability test). A pressure analysis system assessed gait parameters and pressure distribution patterns. Results. Foot orthotics improved stability on the Timed-Up-and-Go (p=0.003) and the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (p<0.001) and decreased fall occurrence on the Sensory Organization Test. Times based changes of postural stability occurred for medio-lateral sway velocity and area when only the vestibular system providing accurate information (condition 5) (p=0.001, 0.05, respectively), and under sensory conflict (condition 6) for sway velocity (medio-lateral and antero-posterior), sway path length and sway area (p=0.015, 0.021, 0.015, 0.015, respectively). An interaction effect was found for maximum excursion composite score (p=0.001) on the Limits of Stability test, as well as a main effect of time for directional control in the ML direction and composite score (p=0.024.0.043). Contact area increase in the midfoot and rearfoot and peak force decreased in the rearfoot (p=0.001, 0.03, 0.027, respectively). Conclusions. Results indicate that foot orthotic use can improve functional measures of stability in older adults. It is unclear whether the time-based changes in postural stability are attributable to the orthotics or are a result of learning effects. Regardless, improvements in stability with prefabricated foot orthotics may help decrease the risk of falls in this population. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

Severe ankle injuries can result in ligament rupture or a fracture. A major problem after such injuries is limitation in mobility. Weight bearing tasks, such as walking, become a problem because of pain, deficits in joint range of motion and muscle strength. This thesis studies a key dilemma in early rehabilitation, whether to immobilise the ankle or allow joint motion to improve mobility outcomes. Studies have focused on two scenarios, severe ligament rupture, and unstable fractures managed through open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The analysis of gait outcomes was an important component of this thesis and a novel analytical method was developed to normalise gait velocity in the estimation of speed-dependent gait outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted including evidence to July 2014. The reporting and design of trials was universally poor. In the 6 weeks of recovery following ankle ORIF surgery, there was insufficient evidence that early ankle movements offered a benefit to mobility recovery compared with immobilisation in a cast. Ankle movements compared with immobilisation reduced the risk of venous thrombosis/thromboembolism. However, compared with cast immobilisation, the risk of deep and superficial surgical site infection and fixation-related complications were higher when ankle movements were permitted. To investigate the role of ankle supports in rehabilitation of walking after ORIF, two randomised cross-over studies were completed. In healthy participants with non-pathological gait, a walker boot induced gait abnormalities when compared with Tubigrip (elasticated bandage). There were no important differences in gait between a stirrup brace and Tubigrip. In people who had undergone ankle ORIF 6 weeks previously, a walker boot and to a lesser extent a stirrup brace offered improvements in gait symmetry and lower pain scores when compared with Tubigrip. Finally, a secondary analysis of the Collaborative Ankle Support Trial cohort (n=584) was conducted, which concluded that, in comparison to Tubigrip, 10 days of cast immobilisation provided greater probability of recovery of a range of mobility outcomes 4 weeks following injury. This thesis contributes evidence favouring a role for ankle immobilisation in improving mobility following severe ankle injury in adults. Clinicians should be aware of the benefits and risk of harms outlined, as well as the limitations in the current evidence base.

Lai, Wai Yin. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-108). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts also in Chinese.

Orientador: Fausto Orsi Medola / Banca: Sergio Tosi Rodrigues / Banca: Milton José Cinelli / Resumo: As lesões nos membros superiores causam impacto direto na vida de um indivíduo. As órteses são dispositivos utilizados para a reabilitação desses membros e, assim como as demais Tecnologias Assistivas, necessitam da adaptação e aceitação do usuário. O aumento de incentivo às pesquisas em Tecnologia Assistiva é um fator favorável ao desenvolvimento de órteses uma vez que traz a tona questões referentes à ergonomia e ao desempenho destes dispositivos; aspectos importantes a serem considerados para garantir a eficiência fisiológica e funcional do equipamento e a adaptação do usuário. Todas essas informações podem auxiliar no design de órteses mais ergonômicas e, portanto, mais apropriadas às necessidades e expectativas dos consumidores. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar e comparar o desempenho, desconforto e transmissão de força de torque em tarefas manuais em quatro condições: três órteses pré-fabricadas de punho e mão, feitas de neoprene e lona, e mão livre, através de tarefas simuladas e da avaliação de torque manual. A avaliação de desconforto mostrou diferenças na percepção de desconforto entre todas as órtese e revelou regiões que devem receber maior atenção no projeto desses dispositivos a fim de garantir o conforto do usuário. Com relação ao desempenho na realização das tarefas de digitação e escrita manual, foram observadas diferenças estatísticas significativas entre condições avaliadas, sendo que a órtese Lona apresentou os maiores valores de dificuldade e ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Upper limb injuries have a direct impact on an individual's life. Orthoses are devices used in the rehabilitation of these members and, like the other Assistive Technologies, they need the adaptation and acceptance of the user. The increased incentive to research in Assistive Technology is a beneficial factor for the development of orthotics since they raise questions regarding the ergonomics and performance of these devices; important aspects to be considered to guarantee the physiological and functional efficiency of the equipment and user's adaptation. All this information can support the design of orthoses more ergonomic and, therefore, better suitable for consumer's needs and expectations. The present study aimed to compare performance, discomfort and torsion transmission in manual tasks under various conditions: Three pre-fabricated wrist and hand orthosis, made of neoprene and canvas, and free hand, through simulated tasks and manual torque evaluation. The discomfort evaluation showed differences in the perception of discomfort among all orthoses and revealed regions that should receive attention during the design of these devices in order to guarantee user's comfort. Regarding the performance in the tasks of typing and hand writing, significant statistical differences were observed between the evaluated conditions and Canvas orthosis showed the highest values of difficulty and time in the accomplishment of the tasks. Significant statistical differences in torque trans... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the short and long term effectiveness of foot orthoses in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.Three studies were undertaken, the first two informing the third. The aim of the first study was to establish prescription habits of Australian and New Zealand podiatrists in order to ascertain the most commonly prescribed foot orthoses. The second study was conducted to establish the most appropriate outcome measure to assess the effectiveness of foot orthoses in the treatment of plantar faciitis. The main study, a pragmatic single-blind randomised control trial, was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of three types of foot orthoses in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The research concluded that provision of appropriate foot orthoses produces small short-term benefits in function for people with plantar fasciitis, but no effect is apparent at twelve months. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, 2004. / Bibliography : leaves 130-168.