Ankle-foot orthoses that restrict dorsiflexion improve walking in polio survivors with calf muscle weakness

H.E. Ploeger, S.A. Bus, M.A. Brehm, F. Nollet

Abstract

In polio survivors with calf muscle weakness, dorsiflexion-restricting ankle-foot orthoses (DR-AFOs) aim to improve gait in order to reduce walking-related problems such as instability or increased energy cost. However, evidence on the efficacy of DR-AFOs in polio survivors is lacking. We investigated the effect of DR-AFOs on gait biomechanics, walking energy cost, speed, and perceived waking ability in this patient group.

Sixteen polio survivors with calf muscle weakness underwent 3D-gait analyses to assess gait biomechanics when walking with DR-AFOs and with shoes only. Ambulant registration of gas-exchange during a 6-minute walk test determined walking energy cost, and comfortable gait speed was calculated from the walked distance during this test. Perceived walking ability was assessed using purposely-designed questionnaires.

Compared with shoes-only, walking with DR-AFOs significantly increased forward progression of the center of pressure (CoP) in mid-stance and it reduced ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion in mid- and terminal stance (p  < 0.05). Furthermore, walking energy cost was lower (-7%, p = 0.052) and gait speed was higher (p = 0.005). Patients were significantly more satisfied, felt safer and less exhausted with the DR-AFO, compared to shoes-only (p  < 0.05). DR-AFO effects varied largely across patients. Patients who walked with limited forward CoP progression and persisting knee extension during the shoes-only condition seemed to have benefitted least from the DR-AFO.

In polio survivors with calf muscle weakness, DR-AFOs improved gait biomechanics, speed and perceived walking ability, compared to shoes-only. Effects may depend on the shoes-only gait pattern, therefore further study is needed to determine which patients benefit most from the DR-AFO.

Source: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966636214005487

BAPO Conference & Exhibition 2015 - Save the date

Ottobock, Prosthetist x 2, Cleveland

For full details of job advert click here

Buchanan Orthotics, Orthotist, Glasgow

Click here to view job advertisement

Personalized Orthoses as a Good Treatment Option for Charcot Neuro-osteoarthropathy of the Foot

Maria Luz González Fernández, Rosario Morales Lozano, Carmen Martínez Rincón, and David MartínezHernández

Background: We sought to assess the biomechanical characteristics of the feet of patients with Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy and to determine reulceration rates before and after personalized conservative orthotic treatment.

Methods: A longitudinal prospective study was performed in 35 patients with Charcot's foot. Although some patients had a history of ulcers, at the study outset no patient had ulcers. All of the patients underwent biomechanical testing and a radiographic study. A radiophotopodogram was prepared by superimposing an imprint of the sole on a plantar radiograph. Based on the results of these tests, an orthopedic insole was prepared and therapeutic footwear prescribed for each foot. The following variables were compared between the Charcot and unaffected feet: previous ulcers and ulcer sites, reulcerations produced after treatment, type of foot (neuropathic/neuroischemic), ankle mobility, first-ray mobility, and relaxed calcaneal stance position. Treatment efficacy was determined by comparing ulcers presenting in patients in the year leading up to the study period and the year in which treatment was received.

Results: In a 1-year period, 70 feet received orthotic treatment, of which 41 were Charcot's feet. Ulceration rates before the study were 73.2% in feet with Charcot's and 31.0% in those without. After 1 year of wearing the customized orthoses, rates fell significantly to 9.8% in the Charcot feet and 0% in the feet without this condition.

Conclusions: Conservative customized orthotic treatment was effective at preventing ulcers and the complications that often lead these patients to surgery.

Source: http://www.japmaonline.org/doi/abs/10.7547/0003-0538-104.4.375

Paediatric Gait Analysis and Orthotic Management

This course explores a fresh approach to the observation and analysis of normal gait and standing, and the classification and management of gait disorders.

If you are interested in this course, please click the link below for further details:

Paediatric Gait Analysis

Ottobock - Orthotist - Portsmouth

Click here to view the job advertisement. 

The Subtalar Joint Axis Palpation Technique Part 2: Reliability and Validity Results Using Cadaver Feet

Ken K. Van Alsenoy, Kristiaan D'Août, PhD, Evie E. Vereecke, Joris De Schepper, and Derek Santos

Background: Clinically locating the point of no rotation to determine the subtalar joint axis location by applying pressure on the plantar surface of the foot was described by Kirby in 1987 but was never validated. We sought to extend a previously validated mechanical model to cadaver feet and to examine the intratester and intertester reliability.

Methods: Four testers with different levels of experience determined the subtalar joint axis location and moved the subtalar joint through its range of motion, capturing the movement using kinematic analysis. The comparison of the spatial subtalar joint axis location as determined by palpation between and within testers determined the intertester and intratester reliability. The helical axis method was performed to validate the model.

Results: The intrarater reliability varied from a high of α = 0.96 to a low of α = 0.26 for the slope and was, in general, high (α = 0.78–0.95) for the intersection. The interrater reliability scored moderate to high, depending on the specific cadaver specimen. Concerning the exact location of the subtalar joint axis, no significant difference was found between the results determined by different testers and the helical axis method.

Conclusions: The palpation technique as part of the subtalar joint axis location and rotational equilibrium theory proposed by Kirby is a reliable and valid clinical tool. Experience in performing the palpation technique has a positive influence on the accuracy of the results. In the context of evidence-based practice, this technique could be a standard tool in the examination of patients with lower-limb–related pathologic disorders.

Source: http://www.japmaonline.org/doi/abs/10.7547/0003-0538-104.4.365

ᐧ

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - Orthotist

For full details of vacancy please click here

Buchanan Orthotics - Orthotist Vacancy

For full advert details please click here 

#hellomynameis

As a healthcare professional you know so much about your patient. You know their name, their personal details, their health conditions, who they live with and much more. What do we as patients know about our healthcare professionals? The answer is often absolutely nothing, sometimes it seems not even their names. The balance of power is very one-sided in favour of the healthcare professional.

Getting to know people's names is part of building good working relationships with both patients and other colleagues. It is the first rung on the ladder to providing compassionate care and often getting the simple things right, means the more complex things will follow more easily and naturally.

Dr Kate Granger created the #hellomynameis campaign. If you support this idea please download a #hellomynameis name card from the BAPO website, add your name and send in a photograph of yourself toenquiries@bapo.comor post to the Secretariat. BAPO would like to create a collage of images that will be put onto YouTube to promote this campaign and our profession.

Please share with your fellow Prosthetists and Orthotists to see how many pledges we can get!

Orthotist Name Tag

Prosthetist Name Tag

Student Name Tag

OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis

OARSI have published new guidelines for the non-surgical management of kneeosteoarthritis.  They recommend use of biomechanical interventions as directedby an appropriate specialist.
Full guidance can be downloaded here:
http://www.oarsi.org/sites/default/files/docs/2014/non_surgical_treatment_of_knee_oa_march_2014.pdf

ᐧ

Dorset Orthopaedic - Orthotist - Hampshire

Click here to view Job Advert.

BAPO Bulletin July 2014

BAPO Bulletin July 2014

Outcome Measures
BAPO is doing some work on outcome measures. If you haven’t filled in the survey yet now is your chance, we need as many P&O professionals as possible to fill it in so please pass it on to those who may not be BAPO members. http://survey.bapo-online.com/index.php/944889/lang-en

Professional Indemnity
The government have now introduced the legislation requiring all AHP’s to have professional indemnity insurance. This will not affect the majority of registrants as they will already be indemnified either through their employer, BAPO Indemnity Insurance, directly with an insurer or a combination of these. It is, however, important that each HCPC registrant has the appropriate level of cover for their practice.

HCPC have published guidance for registrants, -Professional indemnity and your registration, which is available on their website here: http://www.hcpc-uk.org/assets/documents/10004776Professionalindemnityandyourregistration.pdf

HCPC have also put together some Frequently Asked Questions which are
available here: http://www.hcpc-uk.org/registrants/indemnity/

AHP Research Network
BAPO are part of the AHP research network and as such our profession can access and involve themselves in their activities. For those considering or already involved in research, the following may be of interest:
Clinical Academic Careers Capability Framework – May 2014
www.aukuh.org.uk/index.php/affiliate-groups/20-nmahps/128-clinical-academic-careers-pathway-capability-framework

Chief Allied Health Professions Officer Appointed
NHS England has announced the appointment of Suzanne Rastrick as Chief Allied Health Professions Officer. She will work alongside colleagues both within and outside of NHS England, as the Senior Adviser to the Department of Health on AHP matters, as well as representing England’s health professionals on the international stage

 

An Open NHS Culture
Sir Robert Francis is currently leading a review to drive up safety standards in the NHS and to protect staff who speak out in the public interest in order to create an open culture needed to ensure safe care for patients.

The link below gives more detail about this campaign and the new data which is available to the public regarding safety in hospitals. http://www.gov.uk/government/news/nhs-rated-on-open-and-honest-reporting-culture-in-world-leading-transparency-drive

The government has also produced some fundamental standards of care in response to this review which can be seen on the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fundamental-standards-improving-quality-and-transparency-in-care

 

 

Keep an eye on your inbox for more information on regional meetings and short courses. Coming soon!!!

BAPO Secretariat

Please note that the BAPO Secretariat will be closed for the holiday weekend from 5pm on Thursday 17 July and will re-open on Tuesday 22 July at 8.45am 

Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust - Clinical Specialist Orthotist

For job advert details please click here

Improving the design of the curved rocker shoe for people with diabetes

Jonathan D Chapman

PhD Thesis 2014

AbstractIntroductionFoot ulceration and re-ulceration are a serious problem in people with diabetes as the outcome can be lower limb amputation, reducing quality of life and increasing mortality. The pathogenesis of foot ulceration is multifactorial with neuropathy, alterations in foot structure, callus formation and increased plantar foot pressure. The most effective intervention for reducing plantar pressure is the curved rocker outsole. To date this design has been prescribed from clinical intuition rather than scientific evidence. Therefore the studies within this thesis aimed to improve our understanding of how to best to design, and also prescribe, a rocker sole.
MethodsEthical approval was obtained from the University of Salford and the NHS. Study 1 investigated the independent effect of varying the three outsole design features (apex angle, apex position and rocker angle) on plantar pressure in 24 people with diabetes and healthy participants. In-shoe pressure data was collected using Pedar-x and analysed using Matlab. Study 2 investigated the effect of varying apex position in combination with rocker angle, in 87 people with diabetes, and aimed to establish how many people would receive sufficient offloading when wearing a pre-defined rocker design. Study 3 investigated a new method of prescribing a rocker sole using artificial neural networks with an input of gait variables on 78 people with diabetes. Gait data was collected using Vicon and analysed using Visual-3D and Matlab.
ResultsThe results of Study 1 suggested that fixing apex angle at 95° would be a suitable compromise to offload the high risk areas (medial forefoot). It also suggested that apex position and rocker angle needed more investigation. Therefore, in Study 2 the combined effect of two rocker angles and four apex positions were investigated. Despite some inter- subject variability, this study showed that over 60% of participants received sufficient offloading when walking in a mean optimal design. Furthermore, over 60% of people received sufficient offloading with the smaller rocker angle of 15°. The results in Study 3showed there was low accuracy when predicting an individual optimal shoe using gait variables as inputs (34-49%).
ConclusionsThis project has shown it is possible to significantly reduce plantar pressures in people with diabetes with a well-designed rocker shoe (95° apex angle, individual apex position and 15° rocker angle). This finding paves the way for future clinical trials which could provide robust clinical evidence for the use of rocker shoes.
Source: http://usir.salford.ac.uk/31862/1/PhD_Thesis_Jonathan_D_Chapman_2014.pdf

ᐧ

ProActive Prosthetic Job Advertisement - Prosthetist, Surrey

For further information on the current vacancy please click on the link below:

ProActive Prosthetic - Prosthetist, Surrey

Club Foot Appeal

Algeos are looking for your help to support a fantastic charity called the http://www.infantclubfootappeal.org

Algeos have helped the charity set up a fully functional O&P workshop which will enable the team to produce suitable O&P devices.

 

Our container of products leaves Liverpool for Zanzibar on Monday 28^th July. If anyone would like to make any generous donations we are in need of the following items.

Your help and support would be really appreciated and the people of Tanzania would be eternally grateful.

 

·         Paediatric & adult shoes / boots to treat clubfoot

·         Paediatric & adult insoles to treat clubfoot

·         Paediatric & adult shoes

·         Paediatric & adult insoles

·         Paediatric & adult AFO's

·         Nimco or similar style

·         Scoliosis brace

·         Foot supports

·         Leg braces

·         Skull guards

Please contact Algeos directly if you can help provide some of these items. Many thanks in advance, your support is very much appreciated and your generosity will make a huge difference.

ᐧ

Blatchford - Orthotist - South West

Click here to view the job advertisement.