Journal article
The effect of carbon fiber custom dynamic orthosis type on kinematics and kinetics of lower extremity joints in individuals with lower limb traumatic injuries
Gait & posture, Vol.117, pp.228-234
03/2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.12.024
PMCID: PMC12292513
PMID: 39787880
Abstract
Carbon fiber custom dynamic orthoses have been used to improve gait mechanics after lower limb trauma in military service members, with the goal of restoring function and improving outcomes. However, the effects of commercially available carbon fiber orthoses available to civilians on lower extremity joint kinetics and kinematics are poorly understood.
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of two commercially available orthoses on lower extremity kinematics and kinetics in individuals with lower limb trauma.
A total of 23 participants with a lower extremity traumatic injury underwent gait analysis while walking without an orthosis, and while wearing a monolithic carbon fiber orthosis or while wearing a modular carbon fiber orthosis, in a randomized order. Study participants accommodated to each orthosis for three months prior to testing. Joint kinematics and kinetics at the ankle, knee, and hip joints, and ground reaction forces were assessed.
The two study orthoses significantly reduced ankle motion compared to no orthosis, with large effect sizes observed. Peak plantarflexor moment was greater with the modular orthosis compared to the monolithic orthosis. Ankle push-off power did not differ between orthoses but was significantly reduced relative to no orthosis. Push-off power with the study orthoses was over 25% greater as compared to previous studies with military orthoses. Peak loading response power generation at the knee was greater with the monolithic orthosis as compared to the modular orthosis. The kinematics and kinetics at the hip did not differ between orthoses.
Orthoses commonly used in civilian settings to treat limb trauma primarily alter joint kinematics and kinetics at the ankle, in a manner consistent with orthoses used in the military. Additionally, despite the apparent large differences in the designs of the two study orthoses, between-orthosis differences on gait mechanics were limited.
•Orthosis use affects lower extremity joint kinetics and kinematics.•The effect of commonly available orthoses on joint mechanics is poorly understood.•Study orthoses generated greater ankle push-off power than previously reported.•Design differences between study orthoses had a limited effect on gait mechanics.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The effect of carbon fiber custom dynamic orthosis type on kinematics and kinetics of lower extremity joints in individuals with lower limb traumatic injuries
- Creators
- Sapna Sharma - Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USAKirsten M. Anderson - University of IowaMolly S. Pacha - University of IowaKierra J. Falbo - Rehabilitation and Engineering Center for Optimizing Veteran Engagement and Reintegration (RECOVER), Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USAClare Severe - Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterAndrew H. Hansen - Rehabilitation and Engineering Center for Optimizing Veteran Engagement and Reintegration (RECOVER), Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USABrad D. Hendershot - Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterJason M. Wilken - University of IowaCARBon fiber Orthosis research Network (CARBON)Juan Cave - University of MinnesotaJohn M. Looft - University of MinnesotaAmber L. Wacek - University of MinnesotaMichael C. Willey - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Gait & posture, Vol.117, pp.228-234
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.12.024
- PMID
- 39787880
- PMCID
- PMC12292513
- NLM abbreviation
- Gait Posture
- ISSN
- 0966-6362
- eISSN
- 1879-2219
- Publisher
- Elsevier B.V; CLARE
- Grant note
- Department of Defense: W81XWH-18-2-0073 National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health: UM1TR004403
Research reported in this publication was supported in part by a Department of Defense grant under award W81XWH-18-2-0073 and by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number UM1TR004403. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Departments of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Defense, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, nor the U.S. Government. Identifying specific products or instrumentation is considered an integral part of the scientific endeavor and does not constitute an endorsement or implied endorsement on the part of the authors, Department of Defense, or any other entity.We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of Jeff Palmer, Matt Husnik, Jeff Fay, Christopher Dearth, Ashley Knight, and Sara Magdziarz for their efforts in support of study completion.
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 12/27/2024
- Date published
- 03/2025
- Academic Unit
- Orthopedics and Rehabilitation; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science; Injury Prevention Research Center
- Record Identifier
- 9984769723302771
Metrics
16 Record Views