Use and usability of custom-made dorsiflexion-restricting ankle-foot orthoses for calf muscle weakness in polio survivors: a cross-sectional survey.

CONCLUSIONS: Almost three quarters of the polio survivors used their orthosis. Use was related to several aspects of usability, indicating that it is important to consider usability in the prescription process of DR-AFOs for polio survivors with calf muscle weakness. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: When prescribing DR-AFOs, it is important to consider that the orthosis is most likely used when the experienced walking problems are large and the DR-AFO reduces these problems. We recommend to discuss the patient's personal goals for DR-AFO use and the anticipated improvement on the individual's walking problems as well as possible hindrance of the orthosis during daily life activities. Furthermore, providers may need to pay extra attention to females and should particularly take care that the experienced fit and comfort are satisfactory. Incorporating these suggestions in clinical practice may further improve DR-AFO use among polio survivors with calf muscle weakness. PMID: 32452662 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Eur J Phys Rehabil Med Source Type: research