ABSTRACT

Numerous fittings of ESR lower limb orthoses, over 10 years, in two facilities has shown clinically significant results. Temporal parameters (velocity, stride length, cadence, and CoM height) were shown to be optimal when patients wore ESR-orthoses (Weber, 2007). Gait analysis of a ESR case study demonstrated improved Peak Plantarflexor moments & powers during TSt/PSw, and a dramatic improvement in the efficiency ratio (Ruder, 2007). The technical and clinical aspects of this design are simple, relatively inexpensive, and custom (Ruder 2002, Buchanan 2004).

Purpose of this study was to conduct a gait analysis of a patient that uses ESR-AFO’s which can be set at different stiffnesses for walking, running and sports. It is hoped that the kinematic, kinetic, and EMG profiles will reveal trends that will further our understanding of this simple yet exciting orthotic design.

Karen Litman, C.P.(c), B.Sc.

Gordon K Ruder, C.O.(c), M.Sc., B.Sc.

Don Weber, C.O.(c), B.Sc, F.C.B.C.

REFERENCES

Buchanan C, CAPO convention, July, 2004.

Kerrigan, Am J Phys Med Rehabil vol 75 no 1 Jan/Feb 1996

Underwood . ClinBiomech 19, 609-616, 2004.

Ruder GK, Ortholetter Dec No.11, 10-11, 2002.

Ruder GK, ISPO convention, July 2007.

Weber D, ISPO convention, July 2007.