Gait evaluation of an automatic stance-control knee orthosis in a patient with postpoliomyelitis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine gait differences in a subject ambulating with a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) with a locked knee joint versus an automatic stance-control knee joint.


METHODS
Single-subject crossover design.


METHODS
Tertiary rehabilitation facility with a motion analysis laboratory.


METHODS
A 61-year-old ambulatory male volunteer with postpoliomyelitis walking with a stance-control KAFO.


METHODS
Instrumented gait analysis and Physiological Cost Index in the locked knee and stance-control modes.


METHODS
Differences in gait parameters.


RESULTS
On the braced limb, stance-control mode showed a near-normal knee flexion wave in swing, reduced pelvic retraction and rotational excursion, and improved hip power generation. On the nonbraced limb, the stance-control mode allowed elimination of vaulting, reduction in abnormal ankle and hip power generation, increased knee power absorption, and more typical quadriceps activation. There was a trend toward improved energy efficiency in the stance-control mode.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of a stance-control knee joint in a KAFO appears to improve gait biomechanics and improve energy efficiency compared with a locked knee.
Hebert
Jackie S
JS
University of Alberta, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada. jherbert@cha.ab.ca
Liggins
Adrian B
AB
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D016262:Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*