Journal of Prosthetics Orthotics and Science Technology

A Descriptive Study on Assessment of Functional Status in Cerebral Palsy Patients Using Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis

Zeenat Arshad, Muhammad Kamran Khan — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most prevalent motor disability in childhood, arising from abnormal brain development or damage, affecting muscle control. Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFO) is a lower limb orthosis extending from foot plate to thigh level, designed to support weakened leg muscles and stabilize knee and ankle joints, potentially halting deformity progression or rectifying flexibility. This study aims to elucidate the functional status of lower limb CP patients utilizing KAFO. Aims: This study aimed to describe the functional level of lower limb CP patients wearing KAFO. Methods: Informed consent was obtained, and data of 110 cerebral palsy patients were collected using non-random consecutive sampling. Patients were divided into two groups: one with 80 patients utilizing KAFO with 4PPS (four-point pressure system), and the other with 30 patients not using KAFO with 4PPS. Observational gait analysis was conducted, and subjective and objective details were recorded on a specially designed questionnaire. The OPUS scale evaluated the functional status of CP patients, and statistical analysis employed chi-square tests to examine the role of KAFO in their functional status using SPSS version 21.0. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between total functional score and KAFO use. Among the 80 KAFO users, 71 patients scored >40, while 9 scored <40. In the non-KAFO group, 28 patients scored <40, and 2 scored >40. KAFO users exhibited higher total functional scores, indicating improved functionality and independence in daily activities (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that KAFO utilization enhances the functional status of cerebral palsy patients, facilitating independent engagement in daily activities. Comparison of total scores between KAFO users and non-users underscores the association between functional improvement and KAFO use.

Randomized Controlled Trial: Effectiveness of Ankle Support in Reducing Ankle Sprain Pain in Futsal Players

Cica Tri Mandasari Ningsih, Anissa Eka Septiani — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Many people worldwide engage in sports as a hobby, for health training, work, fitness, and relaxation. However, physical activity can also lead to injuries, as can workplace accidents, traffic incidents, and mishaps at home. One common injury is an ankle sprain, particularly prevalent among highly active individuals. Several treatments are available for ankle injuries, with conservative early intervention being the preferred approach. The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is commonly employed initially, which can be supplemented with protection and rehabilitation to form the PRICE regimen. Protection involves immobilization, which aids in pain and swelling reduction. Additionally, medications play a role in alleviating pain and swelling. Following conservative treatment, functional intervention utilizing external support is often employed to enhance ankle joint function and stability. In cases where conservative measures fail to yield satisfactory results, surgical intervention may be necessary to improve joint stability. Aims: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of ankle support in alleviating pain among futsal players who have sustained ankle sprains. Methods: The research adopts an experimental design, specifically a randomized controlled trial (RCT), employing simple randomization to form two groups: the control group and the treatment group. Results: Non-parametric tests utilizing the Mann-Whitney Test yielded a probability value of 0.693 (> 0.05), leading to the rejection of the hypothesis. Conclusion: Consequently, the study's findings indicate no significant difference in pain reduction between futsal players who use ankle support and those who do not follow ankle sprains.

Effect of Medial Arch Support Foot Orthosis on Pressure Distribution and Peak Pressure in Women with Hallux Valgus

Rahma Maulida Fitri, Triyani, Tri Riana Lestari, Ana Silmia — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Hallux Valgus (HV) entails a deformity of the hallux, resulting in heightened pressure on both the hallux and forefoot. One potential intervention involves utilizing foot orthoses with medial arch support. Aims: This study aimed to assess the impact of medial arch support foot orthoses on pressure distribution and peak pressure among women exhibiting mild to moderate hallux valgus. Methods: The research employed a quasi-experimental design, employing a one-group pretest-posttest methodology with 16 participants. Data collection involved recording pressure distribution and peak pressure via foot scans before and after one month of utilizing Medial Arch Support Foot Orthoses. Parametric analysis utilized a paired T-test. Results: The findings indicated a significant reduction in peak pressure, particularly in toe 1 and the metatarsal region (p < 0.005). However, there were no notable alterations in pressure distribution (p > 0.005), although a shift in mean pressure distribution from 21.94 to 22.63 was observed in the right forefoot. Conclusion: Medial arch support foot orthoses demonstrated efficacy in altering pressure distribution and mitigating peak pressure, thereby presenting as a viable intervention for individuals with hallux valgus. Future research should consider incorporating additional variables, such as spatiotemporal differences, both pre- and post-utilization of medial arch support foot orthoses.

The Effect of Using 3d Printed Insole And Semi-Rigid Insole on Spatiotemporal Parameters in Students With Flexible Flat Foot Deformity

Bayu Sholeh Yulianto, Suci Anatasia, Agusni Karma, Rizan Yunihanawati — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: The most common foot deformity in the community is the flexible flat foot where the MLA condition becomes flat. Flat foot deformity results in decreased spatiotemporal gait parameters and requires an orthosis like an insole. Usually, flat feet are given a semi-rigid insole, but there is an alternative to the modeling and fabrication process of the insole, called the 3D printing method. Aims: To analyze the effect of 3D printed insole and semi-rigid insole on spatiotemporal gait parameters (walking speed, cadence, and step length). Methods: Using a quantitative analysis with cross sectional design to observe the improvement on spatiotemporal gait parameters. Five flexible flatfeet participants were recruited and asked to walk about 10-meter with 3D printed insoles. Results: There was an increase in walking speed after using 3D printed insoles on spatiotemporal parameters (speed, cadence, and stride length). Conclusion: The use of a 3d printed insole can help improve walking speed in participants with flexible flat foot deformity.

The Effect of Using Knee Support on Reducing Knee Pain in Elderly Cyclists

Dody Suprayogi, Alfan Zubaidi, F.A. Hendy Setyo Widagdo — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Knee pain during cycling can arise due to the repetitive movements involved in the activity. Overuse injuries, also termed repetitive strain injuries, denote damage and discomfort resulting from repetitive and excessive motions. Such injuries typically affect muscles, tendons, and bones. This pain may persist, particularly during strenuous activities like exercise. Knee support represents a common orthotic tool utilized to alleviate knee pain. Aims: The aim of this study is to ascertain whether the use of knee support has an effect on reducing the degree of knee pain in elderly cyclists. Methods: The research employs a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test assessments. Twenty-five subjects were selected using purposive sampling techniques based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The analysis employed the Wilcoxon test, yielding a p-value of (0.001). Since the p-value is ?0.05, it can be inferred that the utilization of knee support effectively diminishes the degree of knee pain in elderly cyclists. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the efficacy of knee support in reducing knee pain among elderly cyclists. Hence, it is advisable for elderly cyclists to utilize knee braces while cycling.

Observational Study of Dynamic Splints on Daily Activity Task Achievement For Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Ahmad Syamsul Rizal, Triyani, Suci Anatasia, Luthfi Rizqi Pranoto — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Cerebral palsy is a developmental brain disorder that leads to decreased motor function of the extremities, especially on the hands. The provision of dynamic splints would be expected over time to contribute to functional hand improvement, such as gross motor function. Aims: To observe the time in daily activity achievement for patients with spastic cerebral palsy while wearing dynamic hand orthosis. Methods: Quantitative with pre-test post-test design. Ten CP children with an age range of 8 - 17 years with mild to moderate spasticity were observed before wearing and after wearing dynamic hand orthosis to do 7 tasks (Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test). Results: After 2 weeks wearing the device, all participants showed different results indicating an improvement of 5.5 seconds to all tasks on the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test. Conclusion: Dynamic splints have an influence on increasing the time to complete the tasks, thus can be considered along with regular exercise.

The Etiology of Upper Extremity Amputation in Lower Punjab Pakistan

Muhammad Kamran Khan, HM Israr, Wisal Shah, Bibi Uzma — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Amputation, a common orthopedic procedure, is often necessary due to severe trauma or vascular diseases, yet it can lead to psychological issues. This study investigates the causes of upper limb amputation in a specific region of Pakistan to raise awareness and mitigate risks. Aims: To identify causes of upper limb amputation in a specific region of Pakistan and raise awareness to prevent such occurrences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on upper limb amputations in South Punjab between January 2015 and June 2017. Data from 1174 patients, collected at the Physical Rehabilitation Centre in Muzaffargarh, were analyzed based on age, gender, amputation level, and affected side using HMIS, PMRN, and Microsoft Excel. Results: Analysis revealed a male-to-female ratio of 824:350, with the highest incidence among individuals aged 31 to 45. Crush injuries, primarily caused by the "TOKKA" machine, accounted for 66.4% of cases, followed by road traffic accidents at 10.7%. Domestic violence and electric shocks were also observed. Conclusion: Crush injuries from the "TOKKA" machine were the leading cause of upper limb amputations, highlighting the need for machinery safety awareness. Additionally, promoting protective gear use like helmets and early intervention in domestic violence can help reduce such injuries.