Taktak D M, Bowker P
Division of Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1995 Dec;76(12):1156-62. doi: 10.1016/s0003-9993(95)80126-x.
The study aimed to design and construct a modular system of knee-ankle-foot orthotics (KAFOs) that could be quickly and easily assembled and provided to children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A pilot study would then compare the modular orthotics with the childrens' existing devices.
Measurements from the legs of a consecutive sample of 26 Duchenne boys were taken to determine the sizing of the modular system. Nine boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were randomly selected to take part in a pilot study that focused on a comparison between their original and modular KAFOs of supply time, weight, energy expenditure during gait, gait speed, and ease of don/doff.
The supply and fitting of the KAFOs can be done either in the hospital, clinic, or school.
Boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, referred by the clinician for provision of KAFOs. Nine boys were approached to take part in the pilot study; all accepted. Their age range was 5 to 13 years.
It is possible, by use of a modular KAFO system, to provide long leg orthoses to boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in approximately 1 hour.
The pilot study also showed that the modular KAFOs provided a 23% weight saving, resulting in a 10% energy saving during ambulation and an 8% increase in walking speed. They were easier to don/doff and were preferred by all involved.
本研究旨在设计并构建一种模块化的膝踝足矫形器（KAFO）系统，该系统能够快速简便地组装，并提供给杜氏肌营养不良症患儿。随后进行一项试点研究，将模块化矫形器与患儿现有的器械进行比较。
对连续抽取的26名杜氏男孩的腿部进行测量，以确定模块化系统的尺寸规格。随机选择9名杜氏肌营养不良症男孩参与一项试点研究，该研究重点比较他们原来的和模块化的KAFO在供应时间、重量、步态期间的能量消耗、步态速度以及穿脱难易程度方面的差异。
KAFO的供应和装配可在医院、诊所或学校进行。
由临床医生转诊来配备KAFOs的杜氏肌营养不良症男孩。邀请了9名男孩参与试点研究；他们均接受邀请。年龄范围为5至13岁。
使用模块化KAFO系统，大约1小时内可为杜氏肌营养不良症男孩提供长腿矫形器。
试点研究还表明，模块化KAFO的重量减轻了23%，行走时能量消耗节省了10%，步行速度提高了8%。它们更容易穿脱，所有相关人员都更喜欢使用。
