title: Safety and walking ability of KAFO users with the C-Brace®Orthotronic Mobility System, a new microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are clear indications for benefits of stance control orthoses compared to locked knee ankle foot orthoses. However, stance control orthoses still have limited function compared with a sound human leg.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of a microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis compared to stance control orthoses and locked knee ankle foot orthoses in activities of daily living.
  
  
  METHODS
  Survey of lower limb orthosis users before and after fitting of a microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen patients with various lower limb pareses completed a baseline survey for their current orthotic device (locked knee ankle foot orthosis or stance control orthosis) and a follow-up for the microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis with the Orthosis Evaluation Questionnaire, a new self-reported outcome measure devised by modifying the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire for use in lower limb orthotics and the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Orthosis Evaluation Questionnaire results demonstrated significant improvements by microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis use in the total score and the domains of ambulation ( p = .001), paretic limb health ( p = .04), sounds ( p = .02), and well-being ( p = .01). Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire results showed significant improvements with the microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis with regard to perceived safety and difficulty of activities of daily living.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis may facilitate an easier, more physiological, and safer execution of many activities of daily living compared to traditional leg orthosis technologies. Clinical relevance This study compared patient-reported outcomes of a microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis (C-Brace) to those with traditional knee ankle foot orthosis and stance control orthosis devices. The C-Brace offers new functions including controlled knee flexion during weight bearing and dynamic swing control, resulting in significant improvements in perceived orthotic mobility and safety.
authors.affiliation: 1 Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH, Goettingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pröbsting
authors.affiliation: 2 Otto Bock HealthCare LP, Austin, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kannenberg
authors.affiliation: 1 Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH, Goettingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Britta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zacharias
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D000071066:Patient Reported Outcome Measures; D004856:Postural Balance; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Lower limb orthotics; rehabilitation of orthoses users