MedPath

Comparing Functional Outcomes in Individuals Using Micro-processor Controlled Orthosis Versus Stance Control Orthosis

Not Applicable
Active, not recruiting
Conditions
Poliomyelitis
Post-polio Syndrome
Arthritis
Spinal Cord Injuries
Lower Motor Neurone Lesion
Interventions
Device: C-brace
Device: Stance control orthosis
Registration Number
NCT02089880
Lead Sponsor
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Brief Summary

The study will specifically evaluate the potential of the C-Brace to improve the functional mobility and quality of life in individuals with lower extremity impairments due to neurologic or neuromuscular disease, orthopedic disease or trauma, as compared to the stance control orthosis.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
24
Inclusion Criteria
  • Lower extremity functional impairment due to neurologic or neuromuscular disease, orthopedic disease or trauma.
  • Prior active and compliant use of unilateral Knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) or Stance control orthosis (SCO).
  • Age 18 - 80 years.
  • Demonstrate a reciprocal gait pattern using the SCO and C-Brace trial tools.
  • Cognitive ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent.
  • Subjects must be able to demonstrate the ability to turn the global positioning sensor (GPS) and Actigraph units on and off and sufficient memory ability to wear the devices each day during use of the orthoses.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Passive ankle range of motion (PROM) of the lower extremity requiring the knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) of less than 2 degrees.
  • Body weight >275 pounds.
  • Unstable neurological or cardiovascular/pulmonary disease, cancer.
  • Knee flexion contracture resulting in the inability to actively use C-Brace or SCO.
  • Participating in physical therapy currently or within 1 month of starting protocol, specific to orthotic use and gait training.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
C-brace then stance control orthosisC-brace-
Stance control orthosis then C-braceStance control orthosis-
C-brace then stance control orthosisStance control orthosis-
Stance control orthosis then C-braceC-brace-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Six minute walk test (6MWT)Change from baseline in 6MWT using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

The test measures the distance that the patient can walk on a flat, hard surface, indoors, in a period of 6 minutes. The walk test is patient self-paced and assesses the level of functional capacity. Patients are allowed to stop and rest during the test, however, the timer does not stop. If the patient is unable to complete the time, the time stopped is noted and reason for stopping prematurely is recorded. This test will be administered while wearing a mask to measure oxygen consumption.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Muscle strengthChange from baseline in muscle strength after device 1 use at 8 weeks and after device 2 use at 16 weeks.

Muscle strength with be assessed using a hand held dynamometer for muscle strength testing of the lower limb.

Passive and active range of motionChange from baseline in range of motion after device 1 use at 8 weeks and after device 2 use at 16 weeks.
10 meter walk testChange from baseline in gait speed using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

This test will examine the patient's gait speed. Patients will be directed to walk at their preferred maximum but safe speed. Patients will be positioned 1 meter before the start line and instructed to walk the entire distance and past the end line approximately 1 meter. The distance before and after the course are meant to minimize the effect of acceleration and deceleration. Time will be recorded using a stopwatch and recorded to the one hundredth of a second (ex: 2.15 sec). The test will be recorded 2 times, with adequate rest in between. The average of the 2 times should be recorded.

Hill Assessment IndexChange from baseline in hill descent using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

The Hill Assessment Index is a 12 point ordinal scale used to assess different gait patterns during ascent or descent of slopes. It was developed to detect differences in function with different knee units for transfemoral prosthetics.

Stair Assessment IndexChange from baseline in stair descent using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

The Stair Assessment Index is a 14 point ordinal scale originally used to assess functional abilities during ascent and descent of stairs.

Cross Walk Blinking Signal TestChange from baseline in the Cross Walk Blinking Signal Test using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

The cross walk blinking signal test will measure how long it takes a participant to cross a designated street. The street that is designated for the street is 2 lanes and has ramps from the sidewalk to the street. The distance measured will be from the end of the ramp or edge of the curb on either side of the street.

GAITRite Data CaptureChange from baseline in gait parameters using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

The GAITRite system automates measuring temporal and spatial gait parameters via an electronic walkway connected to a computer. The GAITRite electronic walkway contains sensor pads encapsulated in a carpet to collect gait information. The system can be laid over any flat surface. The GAITRite electronic walkway for the study shall be a minimum of 14 feet long. The GAITRite data capture was chosen as measurement of the patient's overall gait quality. Patients will be asked to walk at a self-selected speed across the GAITRite electronic walkway.

Berg Balance ScaleChange from baseline in Berg Balance Scale score using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

The Berg Balance Scale is a 14-item scale designed to measure balance in adults in a clinical setting. When scoring, the lowest response category that applies should be recorded. In each item, points should be deducted if the time or distance requirements are not met, the subject's performance requires supervision, or the subject requires assistance from support or examiner.

Functional Gait AssessmentChange from baseline in Functional Gait Assessment scores using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

The Functional Gait Assessment is a 10 item test used to assess postural stability during walking tasks. It has a maximum score of 30 with each item being scored 0-3. It may be performed with or without an assistive device; however, individuals lose a point on all items requiring a device.

5 times sit to stand testChange from baseline in 5 times sit to stand test using device 1 at 8 weeks and using device 2 at 16 weeks.

The 5 Time Sit to Stand Test is a measure of functional lower limb strength during transitional movement. The individual sits in a standard height chair (43-45 cm) and is instructed to stand up and sit down 5 times as quickly as possible.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

🇺🇸

Chicago, Illinois, United States

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