Assessment of the care process with orthotics, prosthetics and special materials.

OBJECTIVE: to assess potential failures in the care process with orthotics, prosthetics and special materials in a high-complexity hospital. METHOD: an intervention study conducted from March to October 2013. This process was assessed with the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) service tool. The data were analysed according to the risk and the corrective measures were defined. RESULTS: no failure was classified as high risk and the corrective measures indicated as low and moderate risk had the following improvement initiatives suggested: standardize the material records in the information system; create a specific form to require materials; hire specialized technical personnel and create a continuous education program. CONCLUSION: all the suggested initiatives were implemented and helped to reduce the assistance risks for patients due to failures in this process. The actions increase safety levels and provide higher quality of service.

Assessment of the care process with orthotics, prosthetics and special materials / Evaluación del proceso de cuidado con ortesis, prótesis y materiales especiales / Avaliação do processo de cuidado com órteses, próteses e materiais especiais

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess potential failures in the care process with orthotics, prosthetics and special materials in a high-complexity hospital. Method: an intervention study conducted from March to October 2013. This process was assessed with the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) service tool. The data were analysed according to the risk and the corrective measures were defined. Results: no failure was classified as high risk and the corrective measures indicated as low and moderate risk had the following improvement initiatives suggested: standardize the material records in the information system; create a specific form to require materials; hire specialized technical personnel and create a continuous education program. Conclusion: all the suggested initiatives were implemented and helped to reduce the assistance risks for patients due to failures in this process. The actions increase safety levels and provide higher quality of service.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar las fallas potenciales en el proceso de trabajo del cuidado con ortesis, prótesis y materiales especiales en un hospital de alta complejidad. Método: estudio de intervención realizado de marzo a octubre de 2013. El proceso fue evaluado utilizando la herramienta de Análisis del Modo y Efecto de Fallas del tipo servicio. Los datos fueron analizados conforme el riesgo y se definieron las medidas correctivas. Resultados: ninguna falla fue clasificada como alto riesgo y las medidas correctivas apuntadas como de bajo y moderado riesgo han tenido propuestas de acciones de perfeccionamiento: estandarización de los registros de materiales en el sistema de información; creación de un formulario específico para la solicitud de material; contratación de personal técnico especializado y creación de un programa de educación permanente. Conclusión: todas las acciones propuestas fueron implantadas y ayudaron en la reducción del riesgo asistencial a los pacientes por fallas en este proceso, aumentando los niveles de seguridad y proporcionando más calidad en el servicio.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar as falhas potenciais, no processo de trabalho do cuidado com órteses, próteses e materiais especiais em um hospital de alta complexidade. Método: estudo de intervenção realizado de março a outubro de 2013. O processo foi avaliado utilizando a ferramenta de Análise de Modos de Falhas e Efeitos do tipo serviço. Os dados foram analisados conforme o risco e foram definidas as medidas corretivas. Resultados: nenhuma falha foi classificada de alto risco e as medidas corretivas apontadas como de baixo e moderado risco tiveram propostas de ações de melhoria, como: padronização dos cadastros de materiais no sistema de informação; criação de um formulário específico para a solicitação de material; contratação de pessoal técnico especializado e criação de um programa de educação permanente. Conclusão: todas as ações propostas foram implantadas e auxiliaram na redução do risco assistencial aos pacientes por falhas neste processo, aumentando os níveis de segurança e proporcionando maior qualidade no serviço.

Walking measures to evaluate assistive technology for foot drop in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of psychometric properties.

BACKGROUND: Foot drop in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) often managed with assistive technologies, such as functional electrical stimulation and ankle foot orthoses. No evidence synthesis exists for the psychometric properties of outcomes used to evaluate the efficacy of these interventions. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to identify the outcome measures reported to assess the benefits of assistive technology for pwMS and then synthesize the psychometric evidence in pwMS for a subset of these measures. METHODS: Two searches in eight databases were conducted up to May 2017. Methodological quality was rated using the COSMIN guidelines. Overall level of evidence was scored according to the Cochrane criteria. RESULTS: The first search identified 27 measures, with the 10 m walk test, gait kinematics and Physiological Cost Index (PCI) most frequently used. The second search resulted in 41 studies evaluating 10 measures related to walking performance. Strong levels of evidence were found for the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 and for the construct validity for Timed 25 Foot Walk. No psychometric studies were identified for gait kinematics and PCI in pwMS. There was a lack of evidence for measurement error and responsiveness. CONCLUSION: Although a strong level of evidence exists for some measures included in this review, there was an absence of psychometric studies on commonly used measures such as gait kinematics. Future psychometric studies should evaluate a wider range of walking related measures used to assess the efficacy of interventions to treat foot drop in pwMS.

Case Report on the Use of a Custom Myoelectric Elbow-Wrist-Hand Orthosis for the Remediation of Upper Extremity Paresis and Loss of Function in Chronic Stroke.

INTRODUCTION: This case study describes the application of a commercially available, custom myoelectric elbow-wrist-hand orthosis (MEWHO), on a veteran diagnosed with chronic stroke with residual left hemiparesis. The MEWHO provides powered active assistance for elbow flexion/extension and 3 jaw chuck grip. It is a noninvasive orthosis that is driven by the user's electromyographic signal. Experience with the MEWHO and associated outcomes are reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participant completed 21 outpatient occupational therapy sessions that incorporated the use of a custom MEWHO without grasp capability into traditional occupational therapy interventions. He then upgraded to an advanced version of that MEWHO that incorporated grasp capability and completed an additional 14 sessions. Range of motion, strength, spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale [MAS]), the Box and Blocks test, the Fugl-Meyer assessment and observation of functional tasks were used to track progress. The participant also completed a home log and a manufacturers' survey to track usage and user satisfaction over a 6-month period. RESULTS: Active left upper extremity range of motion and strength increased significantly (both with and without the MEWHO) and tone decreased, demonstrating both a training and an assistive effect. The participant also demonstrated an improved ability to incorporate his affected extremity (with the MEWHO) into a wide variety of bilateral, gross motor activities of daily living such as carrying a laundry basket, lifting heavy objects (e.g. a chair), using a tape measure, meal preparation, and opening doors. CONCLUSION: Custom myoelectric orthoses offer an exciting opportunity for individuals diagnosed with a variety of neurological conditions to make advancements toward their recovery and independence, and warrant further research into their training effects as well as their use as assistive devices.

Effect of a back belt on reaching postures.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the effect of a back belt on reach actions. SUBJECTS: Sixteen undergraduate college students (8 male students, 8 female students) ranging in age from 18 to 22 years. Thirteen subjects were included in the final analysis. SETTING: The Department of Psychology at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio METHODS: Using a well-established set of procedures developed in our laboratory for studying reaching, seated adult participants reached for and retrieved an object placed at various distances from them. Reach distances included values both closer than and farther than each subject's maximum seated reach. The reach task had 2 conditions: picking up and retrieving a small block and skewering and retrieving a small bead with a needle. For each task condition, each subject either wore the belt or did not use a belt. RESULTS: Results indicate that when subjects wore the belt while reaching, they tended to have initial transition points (sitting to nonsitting) closer to their bodies than while not wearing the belt. That is, for a distant object, subjects were more likely to raise their bodies out of the chair rather than perform an extreme seated reach, possibly acting to preserve a greater margin of safety. CONCLUSIONS: The back belt consistently modified reaching postures by limiting extreme ranges of motion during a task that required enhanced stability. Furthermore, the methodology and analysis presented in this article when applied to chiropractic will allow us to begin thoughtful investigation of the effects of chiropractic adjustments on postural transitions and margin of safety.

Evaluating the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of foot orthoses in the treatment of plantar heel pain: a feasibility study.

This study evaluated the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of two different types of foot orthoses used to treat plantar heel pain. Forty-eight patients were randomly assigned to receive either a functional or an accommodative orthosis. General (EuroQol) and specific (Foot Health Status Questionnaire) health-status measures were used. Data were also collected using economic questionnaires relating to National Health Service costs for podiatry, other health-service costs, and patient costs. Data were measured at baseline and at 4- and 8-week intervals. Thirty-five patients completed the study. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in foot pain and a significant increase in foot function with the functional foot orthoses over the 8-week trial. The accommodative foot orthoses demonstrated a significant reduction in foot pain only at 4 weeks. The cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrated that functional orthoses, although initially more expensive, result in a better quality of life. Use of functional orthoses resulted in an increased cost of pound 17.99 (32.74 dollars) per patient, leading to an incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year of pound 1,650 (3,003 dollars) for functional orthoses.

Functional electrical stimulation by means of the 'Ness Handmaster Orthosis' in chronic stroke patients: an exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: To gain experience with 'Ness Handmaster Orthosis' treatment in chronic stroke patients, to identify suitable patients, and to study the effects of treatment. DESIGN: Exploratory, uncontrolled trial with measurement of motor functions and muscle tone of the upper extremity prior to, during, upon completion, and six weeks after a treatment period. SETTING: A rehabilitation centre in the Netherlands. SUBJECTS: Eighteen chronic stroke patients (more than six months post stroke), who exhibited upper extremity dysfunction due to spastic paresis. INTERVENTION: A 10-week therapy programme of functional electrical stimulation by means of the 'Ness Handmaster Orthosis'. RESULTS: The results of 15 patients were available for analysis. The differences in motor score and muscle tone before and at the end of treatment were statistically significant (p = 0.008 and 0.021, respectively). The follow-up measurements showed that the effects on motor functions and muscle tone decreased after therapy completion. Stratification of the patients in two subgroups indicated that patients with initial high motor scores benefited most during the intervention period. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that Handmaster treatment possesses therapeutic opportunities in chronic stroke patients with spastic paresis of the upper extremity.

Patients' perceptions of the Odstock Dropped Foot Stimulator (ODFS).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the perceived benefit, pattern and problems of use of the Odstock Dropped Foot Stimulator (ODFS) and the users' opinion of the service provided. DESIGN: Questionnaire sent in a single mailshot to current and past users of the ODFS. Returns were sent anonymously. SETTING: Outpatient-based clinical service. SUBJECTS: One hundred and sixty-eight current and 123 past users with diagnoses of stroke (CVA), multiple sclerosis (MS), incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebral palsy (CP). INTERVENTION: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) to correct dropped foot in subjects with an upper motor neuron lesion, using the ODFS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Purpose-designed questionnaire. RESULTS: Return rate 64% current users (mean duration of use 19.5 months) and 43% past users (mean duration of use 10.7 months). Principal reason cited for using equipment was a reduction in the effort of walking. Principal reasons identified for discontinuing were an improvement in mobility, electrode positioning difficulties and deteriorating mobility. There were some problems with reliability of equipment. Level of service provided was thought to be good. CONCLUSION: The ODFS was perceived by the users to be of considerable benefit. A comprehensive clinical follow-up service is essential to achieve the maximum continuing benefit from FES-based orthoses.

Further development of hybrid functional electrical stimulation orthoses.

In this study two aspects of hybrid functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthoses were investigated: joint motion constraints and FES control strategies. First, the effects of joint motion constraints on the gait of normal subjects were investigated using modern motion analysis systems, including electromyogram (EMG) and heart rate measurements. An orthosis was developed to impose joint motion constraints; the knee and ankle could be fixed or free, and the hip joint could rotate independently or coupled, according to a preset flexion-extension coupling ratio (FECR). Compared with a 1:1 hip FECR, a 2:1 hip FECR was associated with a reduced energy cost and increased speed and step length. The knee flexion during swing significantly reduced energy cost and increased walking speed. Ankle plantar flexion reduced the knee flexing moment during the early stance phase. Second, trials on 3 paraplegic subjects were conducted to implement some of these findings. It appeared that the 2:1 FECR encouraged hip flexion and made leg swing easier. A simple FES strategy increased walking speed and step length and reduced crutch force impulse using fixed orthotic joints.

Leg length inequality.

OBJECTIVE: The (Pacific) Consortium for Chiropractic Research has taken the initiative to research, investigate and provide information directed toward health care accountability, including evaluation of health care measures and practices. This article is a review of the literature pertaining to leg length inequality (LLI). Leg length measures are utilized by various health care providers as an indicator of biomechanical imbalance and necessity for care. Following the overview of the incidence, classifications and clinical significance, emphasis was placed on methods of evaluation, especially the visual "quick" leg length measurement procedure. Finally, a brief section on conservative care has been provided. DATA SOURCES: The information and studies reviewed were obtained from Medline, the Index to Chiropractic Literature, Chiropractic Research Archives Collection, Physiotherapy Index, Chiropractic Literature Analysis and Retrieval System, various technique manuals, personal communication with technique research advisors, proceedings and dissertations. REFERENCE SELECTION: In spite of the widespread use of leg length measures, there is still much controversy associated with LLI, its biomechanical significance and the reliability of the various measurement systems employed. Therefore, the 182 references utilized were selected on the basis of applicable information, especially studies that provided a detailed methodological design with statistical analysis regarding evaluation procedures. CONCLUSION: There appears to be a lack of agreement concerning incidence, classification and point of clinical significance. However, the manifestations or consequences of LLI demonstrate greater accordance. Of the three most commonly utilized evaluation methods, radiographic measures such as the scanograms are recognized as the most reliable procedure for the evaluation of anatomical LLI. Much controversy exists with some of the clinical orthopedic methods and the visual "quick" leg check. Because there is such a vast range in estimates of reliability, few if any definitive conclusions can be made regarding these methods. Given this, it is evident that more research is needed before the use of certain orthopedic and visual checks are considered reliable and valid.

Orthotic effect on metatarsophalangeal joint extension. A preliminary study.

The authors evaluated the effect of modified Root orthoses on first metatarsophalangeal joint extension. Motion within the joint was measured dynamically following the insertion of bone markers into the first metatarsal and the hallux. Extension at the joint was greatest when the subjects were barefoot, the mean angle being 62 degrees. Plimsolls restricted extension of the joint to a mean angle of 57 degrees, while orthoses further reduced the angle of metatarsophalangeal joint extension to a mean angle of 55 degrees. The marginal reduction in first metatarsophalangeal joint extension caused by functional orthoses may be of therapeutic value in the early stages of hallux rigidus, when restricting motion at the joint may slow or prevent development of subchondral sclerosis.

Changes in walking mechanics associated with wearing an intertrochanteric support belt.

This study assesses changes in the mechanics of walking for sacroiliac joint patients when: a) wearing an intertrochanteric support belt, b) wearing an intertrochanteric support belt in a placebo position and c) not wearing a support belt at all. The mechanics of walking were assessed by measuring the ground reaction forces during the support phase of gait using a force-platform. The results obtained did not show clear differences between the walking patterns of three experimental situations; however, some tendencies were observed which led to the speculation that the intertrochanteric support belt may restrict motion in the sacroiliac joint.

The RGO Generation II: muscle stimulation powered orthosis as a practical walking system for thoracic paraplegics.

The RGO Generation II reciprocating gait orthosis was jointly developed by Louisiana State University Medical Center and Durr-Fillauer Medical, Inc, to overcome four problems encountered with the existing model: 1) The high energy cost of locomotion; 2) the great arm strength required for patients to stand up from the seated position without assistance; 3) difficulty (especially for patients with hamstring contracture) in remaining standing owing to failure of the knee latch to lock except in full extension; and 4) problems in balancing when ambulating on an incline. The RGO Generation II employs concurrent electrostimulation of the rectus femoris and hamstrings to assist in rising and balancing and a ratchet-type latching device to improve safety and stability in standing. Alternating stimulation of the rectus femoris and contralateral hamstrings are used for locomotion. Testing in six patients with thoracic paraplegia demonstrated an average 30+% reduction in energy expenditure at a walking speed of .05 m/s and a 15+% reduction at .37 m/s; improved mobility and better balance on inclines; and unassisted rising in all patients. Walking range was increased from an average of 100 m to an average of 800 m. More research is needed to provide stair-climbing ability and to further reduce energy expenditure.