Effect of neoprene dynamic orthosis on improvement of walking ability among children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

Improving the ability to walk is often a key target for the treatment of abnormal gait in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy [CP]. One of the goals of orthotic rehabilitation is to improve walking in this field. The aims of this study was to design and manufacture the dynamic neoprene orthoses and evaluate its impact on the gait parameters in children with cerebral palsy. This quasi-experimental study was done on 12 children with spastic CP at University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, in Tehran, Iran during 2010-11. Initially neoprene dynamic orthosis is designed specifithy for each subject, this neoprene dynamic orthosis was used for six weeks and 6-8 hrs daily. For evaluating the walking speed and the gait variation, 10 meter walking test and visual analogue scale have been used. Modified Ashworth's Scale and electro-goniometre were used to assess muscle spasticity and the flexion degrees of knee joint. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Paired t-tests. The alteration of knee flexion angle, walking speed and walking distance following dynamic orthosis were -18.31 +/- 4.61 [degree], 0.50 +/- 1.82 [meter] and 4.18 +/- 1.51, respectively. The improvement in knee joint angle and walking following dynamic orthosis was significant [P<0.05], but the walking speed was not significant. This study showed that neoprene dynamic orthosis can improve knee flexion angle and walking distance among children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

[Effect of prefabricated and custom- made splints on quality of life in the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis]

The first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis reduced the ability of upper limb in elderly with subsequent disability in physical activities. This study was carried out to determine the effect of prefabricated and custom-made splints on quality of life in the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. This quasi-experimental study was done on 24 elderly [>60 years of age] patients with the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis and 12 matched healthy subjects in Tehran rehabilitation University during 2010-11. Patients assigned randomly in two groups with 8 weeks treatment period, prefabricated thumb and custom-made splints. Persian version of The Short Form 36 quastioner [SF36] was used to assess the quality of life. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and paired t-test. There were significant differences between osteoarthritis patients and healthy subjects in the quality of life according to SF36 score physical health problem [P<0.05], general health [P<0.05], limitations of activities [P<0.05], emotional health problem [P<0.05], social activities [P<0.05], pain [P<0.05], energy and emotions [P<0.05]. Using splints significantly improved the quality of life of patients, but there was no significant difference between two splints in improving the quality of life. Prefabricated and custom-made splint improve quality of life in elderly patient with the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis

[ comparison of functional brace with/without patellar tendon bearing in patients with achilles tendon ruptures]

Rupture of Achilles tendon is a disabling condition and accounts for approximately 11-18% percent of all tendon ruptures. The goal of this study was to compare the functional brace with and without patellar tendon bearing in patients with Achilles tendon rupture. This was a semi-experimental study initially carried out on 17 patients with Achilles tendon rupture although 3 patients failed to complete the follow-up course and were removed from the study. The remaining 14 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The calf circumference and the power of plantar flexion were measured and also the degree of satisfaction in patients evaluated. The data were analyzed using independent t-test, Kolomogrov-Smironov test, and the mean difference by SPSS13. There was a significant difference between the pre-and post-intervention regarding the calf circumference and also the power of plantar flexion in each group. However, no significant difference between two groups following intervention was found when all 3 variables taken into account [p>0.05]. According to the findings of the present study, both kinds of orthoses used were effective on improving the plantar flexion power and reducing the calf circumference but no significant difference between the effects of both groups of orthoses on all variables after intervention was established