The case for lateral stiffness in walking orthoses for paraplegic patients.
The provision of walking for paraplegic patients has therapeutic benefits but must be at a low energy cost. Although claims have been made regarding the need for high lateral stiffness in any orthosis targeted at this group, much of the supporting evidence was confusing. This paper presents the theoretical reasoning behind this claim and reviews recent evidence that would appear to support it.
Stallard
J
J
Orthotic Research and Locomotor Assessment Unit, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire.
Major
R E
RE
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004548:Elasticity; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011474:Prosthesis Design