Biomechanics and Motion Analysis

Application of Stance Control Orthosis in Patients with Inclusion Body Myositis

Principle Investigator: Kenton R. Kaufman, Ph.D.
Project Coordinator: Kathie Bernhardt — bernhardt.kathie@mayo.edu

This project is a field trial designed to compare commercially available stance control orthoses (SCO’s). SCO’s have a knee joint that will unlock during the swing phase of gait and lock during the stance phase of gait. This type of joint is thought to improve efficiency of gait in patients with knee instability due to poliomyelitis, spinal cord injuries, myopathic disorders, congenital spinal defects, and acquired paralysis due to infections or vascular insults. Based upon an initial physical exam, subjects are allowed to try the SCO designs they meet clinical indications for. Designs chosen for this study are the Otto Bock Sensor Walk, Horton Stance Control Orthotic Knee Joint, Fillauer Swing Phase Lock, and Becker E-Knee. The order of use of the devices is randomized for each participant. After being fit with a SCO and trained in its proper use, the participants use the brace in their home environment for three months. After the in-home period, subjects return for gait analysis, a timed functional walk test, and questionnaires before repeating the trial period with the next brace. The overall goal of the study is to determine which type of SCO is preferred by subjects who benefit from these devices, and how each device affects walking ability. Nine subjects are currently enrolled and are in various phases of the study.