AFOCUFF: Comparative Effect of Carbon Fiber Orthosis Cuff Design on Preference, Comfort, and Mechanics
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
Carbon fiber custom dynamic orthoses (CDOs) consist of a proximal cuff that wraps around the leg just below the knee, a posterior carbon fiber strut that stores and returns energy during gait, and a carbon fiber foot plate that supports the foot and allows bending of the posterior strut. The proximal cuff is a primary interface between the patient and the CDO and may influence comfort, preference, limb mechanics and loading, and effective stiffness of the CDO. The important role of the proximal cuff has not been examined. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of CDO proximal cuff design on patient reported outcomes, limb mechanics and loading, and CDO mechanical characteristics.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Detailed Description
Traumatic lower limb injuries often result in poor functional outcomes with long-term negative effects. Carbon fiber custom dynamic orthoses (CDOs) can improve outcomes by reducing pain, supporting the limb, and transferring forces around the limb through the CDO. CDOs consist of a proximal cuff that wraps around the leg just below the knee, a posterior carbon fiber strut that stores and returns energy during gait, and a carbon fiber foot plate that supports the foot and allows bending of the posterior strut. The proximal cuff is a primary interface between the patient and the CDO and may influence comfort, preference, limb mechanics and loading, and effective stiffness of the CDO. Although CDOs are becoming more commonly prescribed following injury the evidence available to guide clinical practice remains limited. The important role of the proximal cuff has not been systematically examined.
The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of CDO proximal cuff design on patient reported outcomes, limb mechanics and loading, and CDO mechanical characteristics. Two groups of individuals will participate: individuals with post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the ankle and healthy individuals. Testing will occur without an orthosis and while wearing orthoses with four proximal cuff designs representative of currently available devices: 1) a rigid patellar tendon bearing (PTB) clamshell cuff secured using a mechanical ratcheting system, 2) a PTB shell with a fixed pivot point secured with Velcro, 3) a rigid clamshell cuff secured with Velcro, and 4) a semi-rigid cuff with a flexible outer layer secured with Velcro.
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| No Intervention: NoCDO Participants will be tested with no CDO |
|
| Experimental: CUFF-A The first study CDO will be designated CUFF-A |
Device: Carbon Fiber Custom Dynamic Orthosis (CDO)
The carbon fiber custom dynamic orthosis will consist of a semi-rigid foot plate, a posterior carbon fiber strut, and a proximal cuff that wraps around the leg below the knee. The design of the proximal cuff will differ between CUFF-A, CUFF-B, CUFF-C, CUFF-D.
Other Names:
|
| Experimental: CUFF-B The first study CDO will be designated CUFF-B |
Device: Carbon Fiber Custom Dynamic Orthosis (CDO)
The carbon fiber custom dynamic orthosis will consist of a semi-rigid foot plate, a posterior carbon fiber strut, and a proximal cuff that wraps around the leg below the knee. The design of the proximal cuff will differ between CUFF-A, CUFF-B, CUFF-C, CUFF-D.
Other Names:
|
| Experimental: CUFF-C The first study CDO will be designated CUFF-C |
Device: Carbon Fiber Custom Dynamic Orthosis (CDO)
The carbon fiber custom dynamic orthosis will consist of a semi-rigid foot plate, a posterior carbon fiber strut, and a proximal cuff that wraps around the leg below the knee. The design of the proximal cuff will differ between CUFF-A, CUFF-B, CUFF-C, CUFF-D.
Other Names:
|
| Experimental: CUFF-D The first study CDO will be designated CUFF-D |
Device: Carbon Fiber Custom Dynamic Orthosis (CDO)
The carbon fiber custom dynamic orthosis will consist of a semi-rigid foot plate, a posterior carbon fiber strut, and a proximal cuff that wraps around the leg below the knee. The design of the proximal cuff will differ between CUFF-A, CUFF-B, CUFF-C, CUFF-D.
Other Names:
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Modified Socket Comfort Score (Comfort and Smoothness) [Baseline]
Comfort scores range from 0 = most uncomfortable to 10 = most comfortable, and from 0 = least smooth to 10 = most smooth.
- Numerical Pain Rating Scale [Baseline]
Pain will be assessed using a standard 11-point numerical pain rating scale, in which 0 = no pain and 10 = worst pain imaginable.
- Participant Device Preference [Baseline]
The participant will rank order their preference for their standard of care device (if applicable), NoCDO, CUFF-A, CUFF-B, CUFF-C, CUFF-D on a questionnaire.
- Ankle Range of Motion [Baseline]
Ankle range of motion (degrees) during gait.
- Plantar Force [Baseline]
Force data (N) collected from the hind foot, mid foot, and forefoot, measured between the foot and orthosis during gait.
- Center of Pressure Velocity Timing [Baseline]
Timing of peak center of pressure velocity (percent stance) during gait.
- Center of Pressure Velocity Magnitude [Baseline]
Magnitude of peak center of pressure velocity (m/s) during gait.
Secondary Outcome Measures
- PROMIS Patient Reported Outcomes for Physical Function [Baseline]
The Patient Reported Outcome Information System (PROMIS) physical function Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) is a computerized assessment measuring physical function. It is scored using a T-score in which 50 is the mean of a relevant reference population and 10 is the standard deviation (SD) of that population. In a given PROMIS domain, a T-score above 50 represents more of the measured variable than the population average.
- PROMIS Patient Reported Outcomes for Pain Interference [Baseline]
The Patient Reported Outcome Information System (PROMIS) pain interference Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) is a computerized assessment measuring pain interference. It is scored using a T-score in which 50 is the mean of a relevant reference population and 10 is the standard deviation (SD) of that population. In a given PROMIS domain, a T-score above 50 represents more of the measured variable than the population average.
- Soleus Muscle Activity [Baseline]
Electromyography (EMG, % Maximum) of the soleus during gait.
- Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle Activity [Baseline]
Electromyography (EMG, % Maximum) of the medial gastrocnemius during gait.
Other Outcome Measures
- Tibialis Anterior Muscle Activity [Baseline]
Electromyography (EMG, % Maximum) of the tibialis anterior during gait.
- Peroneus Longus Muscle Activity [Baseline]
Electromyography (EMG, % Maximum) of the peroneus longus during gait.
- Semi-Structured Interview [Baseline]
Semi-structured interviews will also be used to fully capture the patients' perspectives, experience, and opinions associated with the device options they experienced as part of the study.
- Peak Ankle Moment [Baseline]
Peak ankle moment (Nm/kg) during gait.
- Peak Ankle Power [Baseline]
Peak ankle power (W/kg) during gait.
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
PARTICIPANTS WITH PTOA:
Inclusion Criteria:
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Ages 18-50.
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Diagnosis of unilateral ankle PTOA.
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Ability to walk 50 feet at a slow to moderate pace.
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Ability to walk without a cane or crutch.
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Ability to read and write in English and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
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Diagnosis with a moderate or severe brain injury.
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Diagnosis with a physical or psychological condition that would preclude functional testing (e.g. cardiac condition, clotting disorder, pulmonary condition…).
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Ankle weakness as a result of spinal cord injury or nervous system pathology.
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Nerve, muscle, bone, or other condition limiting function in the contralateral extremity.
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Rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis.
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Necrosis of any bones in the foot or ankle.
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Pain of 8/10 or greater during walking.
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Surgery on study limb anticipated in the next 6 months.
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Uncorrected visual or hearing impairments.
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Require use of a stabilizing device (i.e. Ankle Foot Orthosis or Knee Orthosis…) to perform daily activities.
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Pregnancy
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Body mass index greater than 40.
HEALTHY ABLE-BODIED PARTICIPANTS:
Inclusion Criteria:
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Ages 18-50.
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Without current complaint of lower extremity pain, spine pain, open wounds or active infection.
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Ability to hop without pain.
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Ability to perform a full squat without pain.
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Ability to read and write in English and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
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Diagnosis with a moderate or severe brain injury.
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Diagnosis with a physical or psychological condition that would preclude functional testing (e.g. cardiac condition, clotting disorder, pulmonary condition).
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Medical conditions or injuries that have limited participation in work or exercise in the last 6 months.
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Medical conditions of injuries limiting function for greater than 6 weeks.
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Uncorrected visual or hearing impairments.
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Use of an assistive device.
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Pregnancy
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Body mass index greater than 35.
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Iowa | Iowa City | Iowa | United States | 52241 |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- University of Iowa
- Bio-Mechanical Composites
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Jason M Wilken, PT, PhD, University of Iowa
Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- 202202450