Efficacy and Safety of a Hip Flexion Assist Orthosis in Ambulatory Multiple Sclerosis Patients
By Sutliff, Matthew H.; Naft, Jonathan M.; Stough, Darlene K.; Lee, Jar Chi; Arrigain, Susana S.; Bethoux, Francois A.; Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vol. 89, No. 8, pp. 1611-1617Publication Date: August 2008
Pilot study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a hip flexion assist orthosis (HFAO) in ambulatory multiple-sclerosis (MS) patients with unilateral or unilaterally predominant hip flexor weakness. The HFAO used was composed of a proximal waist attachment, a medial and lateral dynamic tension band, and a distal connector attached to the wearer’s shoelaces. All elements were adjustable to fit the wearer’s anatomy and biomechanic gait characteristics and to supplement the hip flexors and knee flexors in the affected limb. Twenty-one participants with MS and unilateral or unilaterally predominant hip flexor weakness were fitted with the HFAO on the weaker side, trained to use the device, and given a wear schedule. Participants returned for a follow-up evaluation at 3, 8, and 12 weeks after the first baseline visit. Participant satisfaction was evaluated with a 9-item questionnaire. Results showed statistically significant improvement of strength in the affected lower extremity at 8 and 12 weeks, of pain at 12 weeks, and of all gait tests at 8 and 12 weeks. Participant satisfaction with the HFAO was high, with the overall mean satisfaction score 39.9 at 8 weeks, and 39.0 at 12 weeks, out of a possible 45. The most frequent side effect of the HFAO reported was low back pain in 19 percent of participants. Implications for further research in the development of active devices for MS patients are discussed.
Published by: W.B. Saunders Company, a division of Elsevier Health Sciences (Website:http://us.elsevierhealth.com)
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Web Site: http://www.aapmr.org/ )
American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.acrm.org )
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J55119
