Biomechanical analysis of an unpowered hip flexion orthosis on individuals with and without multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gait impairment is a common complication of multiple sclerosis (MS). Gait limitations such as limited hip flexion, foot drop, and knee hyperextension often require external devices like crutches, canes, and orthoses. The effects of mobility-assistive technologies (MATs) prescribed to people with MS are not well understood, and current devices do not cater to the specific needs of these individuals. To address this, a passive unilateral hip flexion-assisting orthosis (HFO) was developed that uses resistance bands spanning the hip joint to redirect energy in the gait cycle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of the HFO on gait mechanics and muscle activation for people with and without MS. We hypothesized that (1) hip flexion would increase

SUBMITTER: Neuman RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8237473 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature