سیامک آقاجانی فشارکی

Knee- ankle foot orthoses are the most commonly orthoses in the post-polio syndrome. Metal KAFOs are the most commonly prescribed orthoses in Iran. However, problems have been reported when using them, during walking. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of changes in range of motion of metal KAFO ankle joint on balance in patients with Post-polio syndrome. 22 post-polio syndrome patients (37-50 yr) from Red Crescent Rehabilitation Center participated in this study. Data collection were performed using by the balance master system with the participants wearing the conventional KAFO and KAFO with increased range of motion of the ankle joint. Data collection was performed with a two weeks follow-up period. In KAFO with increased range of motion of ankle joint, the maximal backward excursion of COG (P<0.002), movement velocity toward the backward (P<0.018) increased when compared to conventional KAFO. The time of weight transfer was reduced while wearing KAFO with increased range of motion of ankle joint in comparison with –conventional KAFO (P<0.002). No significant differences were observed at the other parameters such as limit of stability and sit to stand. the results of this study showed that change in ankle joint range of motion of metal KAFO can let in improvement in some indicators related to postural stability in individual with post-polio syndrome.

The goal of this study is to compare the effects of the modified dynamic and conventional static splints on pain and functional abilities of hand in women with De Quervain syndrome. This quasi-experimental study was performed on 24 women (age between 35-55) with De‌‌ Quervain syndrome in orthotics and Prosthetics department of Tehran university of medical sciences, during 2012-2013. Patients assigned randomly in two groups using static and dynamic thumb spica splints for two weeks. Persian version of DASH (Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire was used to assess the pain and functional abilities of hand and VAS(visual analogue scale) was used to assess patient’s satisfaction of splint. Data were analyzed using SPSS-17 by independent and paired t-test. In both groups, an improvement in pain level and performance capabilities was observed after using the splints. In comparison of pain level and performance capability, there is no significant difference between two groups after using splints (p>0.05). On the other side, it was determined that the satisfaction level of the patients who had used dynamic splint was higher. Inserting a joint to the static thumb spica leads to patient's satisfaction and relief and also there is no significant difference between two groups in pain recovery and abilities improvement.

Apart from poor cosmetic appearance, the most important potential consequence of spinal deformities is cardiorespiratory function. However, one of the reasons that patients discontinue wearing orthosis seems to be an increase in energy expenditure during activity apart from its cosmetic problem. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Milwaukee brace on energy expenditure indices of male adolescents with flexible thoracic kyphosis. Patients & In this semi-experimental study with repeated measurement manner, nineteen male adolescents with flexible thoracic kyphosis aged between 13-17 years were selected by non-probability method. They had worn the orthoses for at least 3 months and did not have any limitation in physical activity or any history of cardiovascular or respiratory disease. After recording anthropometric data and information, based on clinical examinations, Bruce test was performed for evaluation of them on treadmill in 3 distinct sessions. After doing the test, heart rate, VO2max, speed, incline and the duration of activity was recorded from monitor. Statistical analysis showed that means of heart rate, VO2max, speed, incline and the duration of activity on treadmill had significant difference with patient condition(with and without brace). That means all of these parameters increased when the test was performed while the individuals did not have their braces on during the activity. Greater amount of energy expenditure indices of subjects during activity on treadmill without brace is probably because of being less limited and having no load on them. Subjects could spend more stages of the test and involved with more difficulties with speed or incline of the treadmill. Comparing the means of heart rate in every minute of subjects’ activity with and without brace revealed that recorded heart rate was higher in every minute while the subjects’ performance with brace indicated that brace acts as a load or a limiting factor during activity. Therefore it is concluded that the use of Milwaukee brace increases the total energy expenditure of adolescents with kyphosis deformity during physical activity.