Motor control of any movement task involves the integration of neural, muscular and skeletal systems. This integration must occur throughout the sensorimotor system and focus its efforts on controlling the system endpoint, e.g. the foot during locomotion. A person with a uni-lateral trans-tibial amputation has lost the foot, ankle joint, and muscles crossing those joints, hence the residuum becomes the new terminus of the motor system. The amputee must now adjust to the additional challenges of utilizing a compromised motor system as well as the challenges of controlling an external device, i.e. prosthesis, through the mechanical interface between the residuum and prosthetic socket. The obvious physical and physiologic asymmetries between the sound and amputated limbs are also involved in strategies for locomotion involving kinematic and kinetic asymmetries (Winter&Sienko, 1988). There are many questions as to why these asymmetric locomotor strategies are selected and what factors may be influencing that strategy. Factors influencing a change in locomotor strategy could be related to 1) the central nervous system accounting for the loss of sensorimotor feedback, 2) the altered mechanics of this new human/prosthetic system, or some combination of these factors. Understanding how the human motor system adjusts to the amputation and to the addition of an external mechanical device can provide useful insight into how robust the human control system may be and to adaptations in human motor control. This research uses a group of individuals with a uni-lateral trans-tibial amputation and a group of intact individuals using an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) performing a cycling task to understand the "motor adjustments" necessary to utilize an external device for locomotion. Results of these experiments suggest 1) the motor system does account for the activation-contraction dynamics when coordinating muscle activity post amputation, 2) the motor system also changes joint kinetics and muscle activity, 3) these changes are related to control of the interface between the limb and the external device, and 4) the motor system does not alter kinetic asymmetries when kinematic asymmetries are minimized, contrary to a common practice in rehabilitation (Kapp, 2004). Results suggest that control of the external device, i.e. prosthesis or AFO, via the interface between the limb and the device reflect "motor adjustments" made by the nervous system and may be viewed in the context of tool use. Clinical goals in rehabilitation currently focus on minimizing gait deviations whereas the clinical application of these results suggest these deviations from normal locomotion are motor adjustments necessary to control a tool, i.e. prosthesis, by the motor system. Examining amputee locomotion in the context of tool use changes the clinical paradigm from one designed to minimize deviations to one intended to understand this behavior as related to interface control of the device thereby shifting the focus to improving function of the limb/prosthesis system. Kapp SL. (2004) Atlas amp limb def: surg pros rehab princ. 3rd ed: 385 - 394. Winter&Sienko. (1988) J Biomech, 21: 361 - 367.

La connaissance des effets biomécaniques induits par les orthèses plantaires représente un enjeu important afin de faire reconnaitre le rôle du podologue dans le traitement des pathologies ostéo-articulaires et musculo-tendineuses de l'appareil locomoteur. Ainsi, ce travail de thèse consiste à modéliser, par la biomécanique, l'appareil locomoteur afin d'évaluer les effets du port des orthèses plantaires durant la marche. Avant toute chose, une étude méthodologique a été menée afin de vérifier la reproductibilité des données biomécaniques de la marche. Les principaux résultats montrent que ces données biomécaniques peuvent présenter une variabilité importante, principalement causée par des erreurs de positionnement des capteurs sur le sujet, rendant parfois difficile l'interprétation clinique. Toutefois, la deuxième partie de cette étude a montré que l'utilisation d'une méthodologie de correction segmentaire à partir d'une position statique imposée permettait de réduire cette variabilité. Une étude clinique a donc été menée sur les répercussions de l'utilisation d'une orthèse plantaire de supination sur la correction instantanée du pied valgus. Les principales conclusions montrent que les données cinématiques et dynamiques, notamment du pied et de la cheville, sont impactées. Enfin, afin de démontrer l'intérêt d'utiliser la méthodologie de correction segmentaire pour l'interprétation des effets biomécaniques du traitement par orthèses plantaires à plus ou moins long terme, deux cas cliniques ont été analysés, l'un concernait un patient atteint d'un syndrome de loge de la jambe et l'autre d'une gonarthrose. Les principales conclusions indiquent que les orthèses plantaires ont une action sur des pathologies de la cheville et du genou mais que l'interprétation de cette action peut être erronée si la variabilité des données biomécaniques de la marche n'est pas prise en considération / The knowledge of the biomechanical effects induced by foot orthotics is an important issue in order to recognize the role of the podiatrist in the treatment of osteoarticular and musculotendinous disorders of the musculoskeletal system. So, this work consists in modeling, by the biomechanics, the musculoskeletal system to assess the effects of wearing foot orthotics during walking. A first study was conducted to check the reproducibility of gait biomechanical data through two different sessions. The results show that these biomechanical data may show significant variability, mainly caused by errors in the positioning of sensors on the subject, making it difficult clinical interpretation. However, the second part of this study showed that the use of a methodology for segmental correction, from a static position imposed, allowed reducing this variability. Thus, a study was conducted on the impact of the use of supinated foot orthotics on immediate correction of valgus foot. The main findings show that the kinematic and dynamic data, notably the foot and ankle, are impacted. Before being able to estimate if this correction lasts over time, a second study was conducted. Thus, to demonstrate the benefits of using this methodology for the interpretation of the biomechanical effects of treatment with foot orthotic in the longer term, two clinical cases were analyzed, one involved a patient with compartment syndrome of the leg and the other with knee osteoarthritis. The main findings indicate that the insoles have an impact on diseases of the ankle and knee but that the interpretation of these actions may be wrong if the variability of gait biomechanical data is not considered

Die meisten Kinder mit infantiler Zerebralparese (IZP) entwickeln eine spastische Parese, was zu Schwäche, erhöhtem Muskel-Dehnungswiderstand und Kontrakturen führt. Der Spitzfuß ist eines ihrer häufigsten Defizite. Das übergeordnete Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, nicht-invasive Behandlungsstrategien für diese Pathologie näher zu untersuchen. In der ersten Studie wurden die Effekte einer Unterschenkel-Lagerungsorthese auf die Muskelmorphometrie des Gastrocnemius unter zu Hilfenahme von Ultraschall und 3D Bewegungsanalyse untersucht. Lagerungsorthesen konnten das Gangbild verbessern, führten gleichzeitig aber zu Atrophie. Um eine alternative Therapieform zu finden, wurde in der zweiten Studie die kontraktile Aktivität des Gastrocnemius mittels Ultraschall, Bewegungsanalyse und EMG während des Gehens, Vorwärts-Bergauf, bzw. Rückwärts-Bergab, sowie in der Ebene untersucht. Das Bergaufgehen steigerte die konzentrische Exkursion der Faszikel, wohingegen das Rückwärts-Bergabgehen zu vermehrter Exzentrik führte. Da sich exzentrisches Training positiv auf Faszikellängenwachstum auswirken kann, wurde in der dritten Studie das Rückwärts-Bergabgehen mit statischem Dehnen als traditionelle Therapieform verglichen. Ultraschall, Bewegungsanalyse und handgesteuerte Dynamometrie wurden verwendet, um die Plantarflexorenkraft, die passive Sprunggelenksbeweglichkeit, die Gastrocnemius Morphometrie sowie die Steifigkeit und Dehnbarkeit auf Muskel-Sehnen und Gelenkebene zu untersuchen. Dehnen zeigte keinerlei Benefits gegenüber dem Laufbandtraining. Rückwärts-Bergabgehen war dagegen ein effektives Gangtraining und setzt vermutlich neuronale und koordinative Reize. In der Zusammenschau scheinen positive Änderungen im Gangbild bei IZP Kindern sowohl durch Unterschenkelorthesen, als auch durch Rückwärts-Bergabgehen erreichbar zu sein. Beides führte aber nicht zu Muskelwachstum. Funktionelle Verbesserungen scheinen daher auch stark von neuronal, koordinativen Aspekten abhängig zu sein. / Most children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) develop spastic paresis, which leads to muscle weakness, increased stretch-resistance and joint contractures. The gastrocnemius muscle is frequently targeted to alleviate a common deficiency known as equinus. The overall objective of this thesis was to investigate several non-invasive treatment strategies for this pathology. The first study investigated the effects of ankle foot orthotics on spastic gastrocnemius morphometrics as well as on gait by using ultrasound and motion capturing. We concluded that braces improved walking function but also lead to atrophy. During the second study, we searched for a readily available, substituting stimulus and compared the contractile activity of the gastrocnemius on treadmills, namely during flat-forward, forward-uphill and backward-downhill gait using ultrasound, motion capturing and EMG. Uphill gait promoted concentric fascicle action, while backward-downhill gait increased eccentric fascicle action. Since eccentric training had been previously shown to increase fascicle length in controls, during the third study, we compared backward-downhill walking versus static, manual stretching. Ultrasound, motion analysis and handheld dynamometry were used to test plantarflexor strength, passive ankle joint flexibility, as well as gastrocnemius morphometrics, stiffness and strain on muscle-tendon and joint level. Backward-downhill walking led to larger single stance dorsiflexion and faster achievable walking velocities while stretching aggravated knee flexion in swing. Strength, joint flexibility, as well as stiffness on muscle-tendon and joint level were not altered. Backward-downhill walking can be an effective gait treatment, probably improving coordination. Nevertheless, more intense training might be necessary to alter muscle-tendon properties. In sum, backward-downhill walking and bracing increased function without promoting or even by harming muscle growth.

The ankle sprain is a common injury in basketball. A mechanism for this injury occurs when landing improperly from a jump. The concept of wedge and flare designs in shoes is (1) to offer benefit in reducing the potential for an ankle sprain while (2) not hindering performance or usability concerning basketball movements that are needed for successful play. The purpose was to take conceptual designs of the wedge and flare through an iterative design process. Therefore, the objectives were to fabricate shoe prototypes with these conceptual designs, to test the performance of these prototypes, and to develop the next iteration of design based upon the results of testing. The results of this design process are discussed.

The ever-changing demands of working life pose considerable challenges to higher education. The literature indicates that traditional forms of university instruction positioned a deficit model of teaching and learning, which is embedded in a logical positivist paradigm, as authoritative in the production of ‘experts’ who possess legitimate knowledge. However, in professional practice, health practitioners often deal with ill-defined problems. If health practitioners are to be prepared properly for their future careers, the development of reflective thinking should be an integral component of professional education courses. The aim of this study was to explore the public narratives on existing teaching and learning practices in higher education, orthotics/prosthetics and psychology, and to examine the authority of these narratives in the unfolding stories of students and the facilitator in a pilot applied psychology course designed for orthotist/prosthetist professionals. There is a paucity of psychological research in orthotic/prosthetic practice and further research in this domain is needed, particularly from a qualitative approach. A story map was used to integrate the methodology of personal experience methods and narrative analysis into one model that represents the voice of public and private narratives in a specific temporality of past, present and future. The analysis of public and private texts revealed the narrative themes of teaching and learning, co-constructing knowledge, reflection-on-practice, disability, community of concern and agency. A critical psychology and social constructionist approach is proposed to facilitate reflective clinical practice in a psychology module for orthotics and prosthetics. In a collaborative learning community, the lived experiences, knowledge, skills, and desires that invited orthotist/prosthetists into this helping field are honoured. In addition, they are encouraged to reflect on the value of professional interventions by using pragmatic criteria of whether an approach fits or is useful for a client, rather than relying on some abstract notion of ‘truth’. / Thesis (PhD (Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Psychology / unrestricted

Bakgrund: Många individer oftast äldre drabbas av gonartros, denna diagnos kan orsaka smärta och nedsatt funktion vilket i sin tur kan leda till begränsningar i det dagliga livet. Detta är en systematisk litteraturöversikt över studier som har undersökt laterala kil-inlägg som behandlingsmetod för att minska smärta och förbättra funktion hos patienter med medial gonartros. Syfte: Att studera om laterala kil-inlägg leder till reducerad smärta och främjad funktion jämfört med neutrala inlägg. Vidare utreds också om resultatet är baserat på olika undergrupper. Metod: En systematisk sökning i databaserna PubMed, MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL och Cochrane Library utfördes för att hitta relevanta studier som sedan inkluderades utifrån förutbestämda kriterier. Data analyserades utifrån dessa artiklar för att besvara frågeställningen i detta arbete. Artiklarnas evidens och validitet/reliabilitet har bedömts. Resultat: Resultaten visar att laterala kilinlägg inte ger reducerad smärta och främjad funktion. Det finns heller inga samband kopplat till undergrupperna som studeras i denna systematiska översikt. Slussats: Det finns i denna rapport blandat med bevis för huruvida laterala kilinlägg reducerar smärta och främjar funktion. Även om ett antal studier påvisar positiva effekter är detta inte tillräckligt för att på ett statistiskt signifikant sätt säga att det hjälper. Det går inte att säga om behandlingen är mer lämpad för någon specifik undergrupp. / Background: Many individuals often the elderly suffering of gonatros, this diagnosis can cause pain and impaired function which in turn can lead to limitations in daily living. This is a systematic review of studies that have investigated lateral wedged insoles as a treatment to reduce pain and improve function in patients with medial gonartros. Aim: To study whether lateral wedge insoles lead to reduced pain and improved function compared with neutral insoles. Furthermore, it is also investigated if the result is based on different sub-groups. Method: A systematic search in the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL and Cochrane Library was performed to find relevant studies which then were included based of predetermined criteria. Data from these articles where analysed to answer our question in this paper. The articles were examined for risk of bias and validity/reliability. Results: The results show that lateral wedge insoles do not reduce pain and improve function. There are also no signs that a certain sub-group would be more suited for the treatment. Conclusion: There is in this paper a contradictory result of whether lateral wedge insoles reduce pain and improve function. Although several studies indicate positive effects it is not enough to prove in a statistically significant way that it helps. It is not possible to say whether the treatment is more suitable for any specific subgroup.

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory auto-immune disease with various symptoms, which requires comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment for distinct and individualized conditions. Reviews on this population address treatment alternatives (i.e., pharmaceutical and rehabilitation). Orthotic interventions are seldom mentioned or mentioned briefly in conjunction with physiotherapy interventions. Aim: This study aims to critically appraise and summarize current evidence regarding orthotic interventions for multiple sclerosis population with lower limb deficiencies. Methods: This study uses umbrella review protocol for systematic reviews. 5 databases were used (CINAHL, Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science). From 44 reviews, 6 systematic reviews were obtained using JBI appraisal tool. Methodological quality is appraised using AMSTAR II, data were extracted via JBI data extraction form for umbrella reviews. 2 articles were excluded and the evidence quality of the remaining 4 articles were appraised via GRADE. Results: 2 out of 4 investigated the effect of foot orthoses, whilst the remaining investigated FES devices. 3 out of 4 articles scored “Critically low” in methodological quality, 1 scored “High”. The evidence quality of the different outcomes ranges from "Very low” to “High”. Conclusion: Foot orthoses reported an increase RoM in ankle and knee joints. FES intervention found an increase in speed and endurance during gait and increased RoM of ankle and knee. However, more studies with higher quality are needed to establish clinical recommendations. / Bakgrund: Multipel skleros är en kroniskt inflammatorisk auto-immun sjukdom med komplexa symtom som kräver en omfattande multidisciplinär behandlingsplan för att främja positiva, måluppnående behandlingsresultat. Artiklar gällande denna populationen kollar på behandlings alternativ (som medicinska och rehabilitering). Ortos interventioner nämns kort men ofta vid sidan av diskuterade medicinska interventionerna eller som komplement till fysioterapin. Syfte: Denna studie syftar att kritiskt värdera och summera den nuvarande evidensen gällande användningen av ortoser som intervention för brister i lägre extremiteters funktion för patienter med multipel skleros. Metod: Sökningen genomfördes i 5 databaser (CINAHL, Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science). Från 44 artiklar, var 6 studier behöriga efter JBI utvärderings verktyg. Metodologisk kvalitet var testat genom AMSTAR II, data var framtagen genom ” JBI data extraktion form for Umbrella reviews”. 2 artiklar var exkluderade ytterligare och evidens kvalitén av de kvarstående 4 artiklarna var testat med GRADE. Resultat: Två av de fyra inkluderade studierna studerade användningen av fotortoser medans de kvarvarande studerade FES-enheter. Tre av fyra studier fick betyget ”Critically low” gällande metodologisk kvalitet, en fick betyget ”High”. Evidens kvaliten av interventionernas resultat varierade mellan ”Very low” till ”High”. Sammanfattning: Fotortoser rapporterade en chans att öka rörlighets omfånget i ankel och knä. FES-enhet visade en ökning av hastighet och uthållighet vid gång samt öka rörelseomfånget i ankel och knä. Denna studie konstaterar att det behövs fler starka studier för att kunna skapa kliniska rekommendationer gällande ortoser för nedre extremiteter för MS patienter.

Contexte. La schizophrénie (SCZ) est associée à des troubles cognitifs qui entravent les capacités fonctionnelles des patients. En particulier, les déficits des fonctions exécutives handicapent la réalisation des Activités de la Vie Quotidienne (AVQ), et altèrent l’adhésion au traitement. Des Assistants Technologiques pour la Cognition (ATC), initialement conçus pour les maladies neurologiques, pourraient être utilisés comme outils de remediation cognitive pour compléter les traitements conventionnels dans la SCZ.Objectifs. Notre objectif clinique était d’améliorer l'autonomie et l'adhésion au traitement de patients SCZ grâce à deux ATC : Mobus et DoPill. Notre objectif technologique était de vérifier que ces ATC étaient adaptés aux besoins et aux capacités des patients SCZ.Méthodes. Des personnes ayant un diagnostic de SCZ selon les critères du DSM-IV ont testé Mobus au cours de trois études. Il s’agit d’un logiciel installé dans des smart phone qui offre un rappel des AVQ. De plus, l’utilsateur a la possibilité d’exprimer son vécu quotidien (symptômes, émotions...). Dans la troisième étude, un autre ATC a été testé : le DoPill. Ce pilulier intelligent avertit l’utilisateur lorsqu’il est temps de prendre son médicament. Des capteurs détectent la prise médicamenteuse. Les informations sur la réalisation des AVQ, le vécu des patients et l’adhésion au traitement, enregistrées de manière écologique par Mobus et DoPill, sont accessibles aux aidants à distance via Internet.Résultats. Nos trois études ont permis d’optimiser Mobus et DoPill. De plus, Mobus aurait amélioré certaines capacités de planification des utilisateurs, et DoPill aurait facilité l’adhésion au traitement. Cependant, ces résultats doivent être reproduits car leur significativité est faible.Conclusion. Le développement d’ATC ne peut se faire qu'en étroite collaboration entre le patient, son aidant et le programmeur, par étapes successives permettant d'améliorer le produit afin qu'il réponde au mieux aux besoins des utilisateurs. Cette collaboration est nécessaire sur le plan technique, mais aussi éthique. En effet, il ne s'agit pas d'isoler le patient dans un environnement technologique impersonnel, mais bien de l’accompagner quotidiennement dans sa réinsertion sociale. / Background. Cognitive impairments in schizophrenia (SCZ) lead to a negative functional outcome. Especially, executive deficits are associated with difficulties in achieving Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and treatment adherence. Assistive Technologies for Cognition (ATC), first concieved for neurological disease, could be used as tools of cognitive remediation in SCZ, to complete the action of antipsychotics.Objective. Our clinical aim was to enhance the autonomy and adherence of SCZ people with the use of two ATCs: Mobus and DoPill. Our technological aim was to investigate whether SCZ patients would be able to use such ATCs.Methods. Outpatients diagnosed with SCZ according to DSM-IV criteria tested Mobus in three studies. This application, implemented in smart phones, provides ADL recall. In addition, patients can report self-experiences anywhere at anytime. In the third study, another ATC, the DoPill, was tested. This smart pill dispenser alerts the patient when it’s time to take medication. Sensors detect when pills are taken out. Information about ADL’s execution, self-experiences and adherence, are ecologically registered by Mobus and DoPill and remotely available for caregivers via Internet.Results. Our three studies allowed to improve Mobus and DoPill in order to make them the most suitable to the needs of SCZ people. Furthermore, Mobus enhanced some planning skills of the participants, whose adherence as well progressed with the use of DoPill. Nevertheless, these findings have to be reproduced, as we found only weak significance. Conclusion. A close collaboration between the patient, the caregiver and the programmer is essential for developing ATC. This teamwork is necessary for technical issues, but also for ethical concerns. Indeed, ATC are not meant to isolate people by replacing the human element of relatives and caregivers by a machine. On the contrary, they offer a sense of security and are aimed at accompanying the patient in his/her social rehabilitation.

No description available.

Background 3D manufacturing is a newer technology that shows potential and has gained interest in the world of medical devices. It has been used to produce custom made foot orthotics (CFO)s, but little evidence on the biomechanical effects is available. The literature suggests that the 3D manufactured CFOs (3DMCFO) have comparable outcomes as conventional manufactured CFOs (CMCFO). Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate biomechanics and comfort in the 3D manufacturing method, because of the lack of biomechanical evidence in literature, and because comfortable orthotics are a prerequisite for an optimal foot orthosis. Methods This pilot project uses a randomized crossover study design to test if there is a difference in plantar pressure distribution and comfort between 3DMCFOs and CMCFOs on two participants (n=2). To investigate the plantar pressure distribution the F-scan® in-shoe sensors was used to measure peak plantar pressures. To evaluate comfort the Orthosis Comfort Score (OCS) was used. Result For both participants similar results of mean peak pressures could be seen in some areas in the two CFOs, where in other areas contradictory results were seen. The comfort in the two CFOs was similar. Conclusion Similarities was seen in plantar pressure distribution and comfort in the two CFOs in both participants. However, the validity and reliability are low because of the low number of participants. / Baggrund 3D print er en nyere produktionsmetode som viser potentiale og har vækket interesse inden for medicinske hjælpemidler. 3D printning er blevet brugt til at producere specialfremstillede fod ortoser (SFO), men der er lav evidens for dens biomekaniske effekt. Litteraturen viser at 3D printede SFOer har sammenlignelige resultater som konventionel produceret SFOer. Formål Formålet med dette projekt var at undersøge biomekanik og komfort for 3D- produktionsmetoden. Dette blev undersøgt fordi der er lidt evidens inden for området, og fordi komfort er en forudsætning for en optimal fod ortose. Metode Dette pilotstudie bruger et randomiseret kontrolleret studie design for at teste om der er en forskel imellem 3D produktionsmetoden og den konventionelle produktionsmetode når der kigges på trykfordeling og komfort i to deltagere (n=2). For at undersøge trykfordeling under foden bruges F- scan® indlæg-sensor, for komfort bruges The Orthosis Comfort Score. Resultat For begge deltagere var der overensstemmelser i de gennemsnitlige høje tryk og i komfort for begge SFOer, hvor der i nogen områder var uoverensstemmelser. Konklusion For de to SFOer, overensstemmelser kunne ses i trykfordelingen under foden og i komfort. Validiteten og pålideligheden for dette projekt er dog ikke højt på grund af det lave deltagerantal.