Prosthetics and Orthotics International最新文献

{"title":"The association between upper limb prosthesis receipt timing and prosthesis adoption and satisfaction: Findings from a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Linda Resnik, Troy Hamner, Matthew Borgia","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000474","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000474","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Little empirical evidence supports the widely held belief that early upper limb prosthesis fitting is associated with improved longer-term outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To quantify the relationship between timing of initial prosthesis receipt and (1) continued prosthesis use, (2) hours of use, and (3) satisfaction.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional survey study of 698 Veterans with major upper limb amputation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participant characteristics were described by time to receipt of initial prosthesis. Logistic regressions examined relationships between receipt timing, prosthesis use, and odds of using a prosthesis ≥8 h/d. Linear regression examined the relationship between receipt timing and scores of the Trinity Amputation and Prosthetic Experience Satisfaction Scale satisfaction scale. Models controlled for potential confounders including age, gender, amputation level, race, ethnicity, amputation etiology, time from injury to amputation, years since amputation, and prosthesis type.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Odds of current prosthesis use were lower with prosthesis receipt within 6-12 months (odds ratio: 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34, 0.92) and ≥12 months (odds ratio: 0.55; 95%CI, 0.32, 0.96) compared with within 3-6 months. Trinity Amputation and Prosthetic Experience Satisfaction Scale scores were -0.22 points lower (95%CI, -0.38, -0.06) for receipt within 6-12 months. Receipt timing was not associated with 8+ h/d of prosthesis use.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This nationally representative study of Veterans found initial prosthesis receipt within 3-6 months (compared with 6-12 months) was associated with increased odds of continued prosthesis use. Prosthesis receipt within 6 months was associated with greater prosthesis satisfaction.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"581-588"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144644006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reproducibility and validity of the 3D L.A.S.A.R. posture alignment system in persons with a transtibial bone-anchored prosthesis.","authors":"Yvonne Witkowski, Niels Jonkergouw, Vera G M Kooiman, Ruud A Leijendekkers","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000497","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000497","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>During the alignment process, the 3D Laser Assisted Static Alignment Reference (L.A.S.A.R.) is clinically used to objectively aid rehabilitation teams to optimize static prosthetic alignment. Although this device is used routinely within the clinic, its reliability and validity are unknown.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess the test-retest reproducibility and concurrent validity of the 3D L.A.S.A.R.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Clinimetric study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, participants using a unilateral transtibial bone-anchored prosthesis were recruited by convenience sampling. Reproducibility was assessed by calculating reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC]) and agreement parameters (standard error of measurement, smallest detectable change, and limits of agreement). Concurrent validity was assessed through ICC and limits of agreement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The reliability parameters (ICC agreement ) ranged from 0.86 to 0.97, with a standard error of measurement (%) of 6.5%‒29.5% in 2D mode and 5.3%‒23.9% in 3D mode and smallest detectable change (%) of 17.9%‒81.6% in 2D mode and 14.6%‒66.1% in 3D mode with no systematic bias. Concurrent validity (ICC consistency ) ranged from 0.11 to 0.87, with systematic bias found between both systems in several perspectives.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The 3D L.A.S.A.R. shows very good to excellent test-retest reliability. However, the measurement errors exceeded clinically considerable deviations. Concurrent validity ranged between poor to very good. Further development of the 3D L.A.S.A.R. and research focusing on clinimetric properties such as responsiveness or interrater reliability is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"620-629"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645406/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145356627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advanced shoulder sling: Integrating versatile features into a triangular bandage.","authors":"Shin-Ichi Nakamitsu, Nobuo Sakai, Takafumi Tajima, Takao Tsutsui, Hiroyuki Okawa, Shin-Ichiro Nagabuchi","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000484","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000484","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study created an orthosis with several functions in addition to the triangular bandage. The triangular bandage positioned the forearm forward, suspended the arm from the neck, and secured the arm from the neck to the wrist. The design was modified from this limb position. Phase 1: Shoulder rotation was changed from extreme internal rotation to 30 degree internal rotation, Kapandji's physiological reference position (flexion/extension, 0 degree; abduction/adduction, 0 degree; rotation, 30 degree internal rotation position), allowing for the partial use of the hand. Phase 2: The sling knot position was changed from the neck to above the ipsilateral shoulder to avoid neck pain. Phase 3: A sling with elbow pads and straps replaced the Velcro to prevent the knot from loosening. Phase 4: To prevent the shoulder straps of the sling from being pulled off by the forearm during external shoulder rotation, the twisted straps pass through the shoulder and forearm loops. Phase 5: Additional straps around the shoulder and axilla were placed outward to prevent the straps from falling off due to scapular movement. Because the humeral head is rotated 30 degree posteriorly, immobilization in the 30 degree internal rotation position of the shoulder joint improves scapulohumeral joint conformity and achieves rotator cuff equilibrium. Suspension from the ipsilateral shoulder also counteracts gravity and reduces the load on intrinsic muscles such as the rotator cuff. Allowing anterior-posterior pendulum motion not only stabilizes the trunk but can also be used for early range-of-motion training. The sling has evolved as an immobilization and a suspension device.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"589-593"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645399/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145330757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the feasibility and usefulness of electric knee-ankle-foot orthosis in stroke rehabilitation: Association with pretest Berg balance scale scores.","authors":"Hyuk-Jae Choi, Yoon Heo, Jong-Won Lee, Hyeonseok Cho, Mi Jung Kim, Sang-Hyun Park, Chang-Yong Ko","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000498","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000498","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stroke often leads to hemiplegia, significantly impairing walking ability. Traditional rehabilitation methods commonly use mechanical knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) to stabilize gait, but these can restrict knee flexion and reduce walking efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an Electric KAFO (E-KAFO) for stroke survivors with hemiplegia, using the Berg Balance Scale to determine its impact on walking function. Fourteen individuals with hemiplegia (mean age: 55.1 ± 13.7 years; gender: 12 males, 2 females; height: 168.2 ± 7.7 cm; weight: 67.1 ± 11.5 kg; duration after injury: 46.4 ± 44.1 months) were categorized into high-balance groups and low-balance groups based on their Berg Balance Scale scores. Participants underwent a multisession intervention program using the E-KAFO. Walking ability was assessed using the 5-m walk test, 3-minute walk test, and 6-minute walk test before and after the intervention with the E-KAFO. The results showed that the low-balance groups demonstrated significant improvements in all walking tests postintervention, whereas the high-balance groups did not show significant changes. These findings indicate that E-KAFO training may be more beneficial for patients with lower initial balance abilities. The study highlights the importance of assessing balance ability when considering the use of E-KAFOs in stroke rehabilitation, suggesting that individuals with poorer balance may derive the most benefit from such interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"567-575"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145330822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical assessment of changes in basic prosthetic mobility using the component timed-up-and-go test: A retrospective cohort study in adults with lower-limb amputation.","authors":"Sheila Clemens, Todd Castleberry, Jim Scharf, Shane Wurdeman","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000477","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000477","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ideally, an individual will undergo rehabilitation to optimize functional abilities with a prosthetic leg after lower-limb amputation (LLA). Using standardized outcome measures capable of capturing changes in prosthetic mobility provides the clinical utility necessary to evaluate treatment efficacy.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the potential of the component timed-up-and-go (cTUG) in evaluating changes in basic prosthetic mobility tasks after a structured prosthetic training program.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective cohort.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Pre- and post-intervention data was analyzed from individuals referred to a prosthetic training program. Specific subtasks of cTUG were assessed (the 180° turn and sit-to-stand transitions), as well as the total time to perform the test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Complete data from 85 adults with unilateral LLA were analyzed. The study sample consisted of 75.3% of individuals with acquired LLA because of dysvascular causes, and 41.2% had transfemoral amputation. Individuals with transtibial amputation exhibited significantly faster performance of cTUG subtasks and total times than those with transfemoral amputation ( P < 0.02). Stratified by amputation level, both groups exhibited significantly better cTUG scores upon final performance compared with initial performance in all subtasks and total time ( P < 0.01). Furthermore, comparing cTUG times based on insurer (public or private insurance), individuals with private insurance generally outperformed those with public insurance, although significance varied based on amputation level.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>cTUG exhibits the ability to capture changes in basic prosthetic mobility in individuals with varied causes and levels of LLA, enhancing confidence in the clinical utility of the test for measuring efficacy of interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"517-522"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144644005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictive factors of functional mobility in adults with lower-limb amputation: A prognostic systematic review.","authors":"Marjan Saeedi, Joy Christine MacDermid, Tara Packham, Mike Szekeres, Pulak Parikh","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000495","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lower-limb amputation (LLA) has a profound impact on functional mobility, which is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life. With a rising number of LLAs performed annually, particularly due to diabetes-related complications, understanding the factors that influence mobility outcomes is critical for optimizing rehabilitation strategies. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate prognostic factors associated with functional mobility in adults with LLA. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases, supplemented by gray literature sources, following PRISMA-P guidelines. Eligible studies examined various prognostic factors affecting mobility outcomes, which were assessed for quality using the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. Fourteen studies were included, encompassing prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional designs. Identified prognostic factors were categorized into 4 key domains: sociodemographic, medical, physical function, and psychological. Age, sex, comorbidities, and level of amputation emerged as primary determinants of mobility, with psychological factors such as cognitive function and mental health also playing a significant role. Although higher amputation levels, older age, and multiple comorbidities were associated with reduced mobility, mental well-being and male sex were linked to better outcomes. Limited evidence was found regarding other potential predictors, including race/ethnicity, prosthetic use, balance, employment status, and activity level, highlighting the need for further high-quality research. These findings emphasize the importance of a multidimensional rehabilitation approach that considers both physical and psychological factors to enhance mobility and overall well-being in individuals with LLA.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"523-541"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145294304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Growth patterns of lower limbs in children with a traumatic transtibial amputation: A retrospective observational cohort study of anthropometric data from Cambodia.","authors":"Claudia Ghidini, Caitlin E Edgar, Thearith Heang, Sisary Kheng, Anthony M J Bull","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000483","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000483","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The growth dynamics of the amputated limb are currently unknown for children, affecting prosthetic provision and child's overall wellbeing.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this study was to investigate the growth patterns of the residual limbs of children with a transtibial traumatic amputation.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>A retrospective observational cohort study of anthropometric data from Cambodia was conducted using casefile of 19 children with a transtibial unilateral traumatic amputation (>100 visits).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Anthropometrics of the lower limbs were correlated with age and limb length, and linear regression models were created to predict growth. Residual limb volume changes were estimated using a validated method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The growth rate of the proximal epiphysis of the residual limb was found to be stunted and grew 33.3% slower than would have been expected for typically developing proximal epiphysis growth. This stunted growth can be accurately predicted using the known growth of the contralateral limb (adjusted R 2 = 0.743, p < 0.0001, r = 0.864). Residual limb size (girth, bone condylar width) was correlated with age and limb length and can be predicted using linear regression models (girth: adjusted R 2 = 0.665, p < 0.0001, r = 0.663 with age and r = -0.338 with limb length; tibial condyle width: adjusted R 2 = 0.61, p < 0.0001, r = 0.784). Residual limb percentage volume changes between prosthetic replacements were above the 10% threshold used for prosthetic replacement in adult cohorts over 60% of the cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This paper found that longitudinal residual limb growth is stunted because of growth plate injury and altered mechanics, paving the way for future research on novel rehabilitation interventions. The regression models developed can help prosthetists and prosthetic manufacturers design prostheses that accommodate growth. These data provide compelling evidence and hard data to prosthetists and manufacturers to better provide for children in this specific setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"542-549"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645404/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145287336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of dorsiflexion control on gait parameters in patients with stroke with hemiplegia using ankle foot orthoses.","authors":"Yoshihiro Mori, Keisuke Kon, Yasuyuki Hayakawa, Norio Kato, Chiharu Matsui, Yuta Kato, Kagari Abiko, Hirokazu Haruna","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000479","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000479","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Patients with stroke with hemiplegia often experience gait impairments and use ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) to support their walking. Despite the wide use of AFOs, the specific impact of dorsiflexion control in AFOs on gait parameters has yet to be clarified.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 types of AFOs with different dorsiflexion control mechanisms on gait parameters in patients with stroke with hemiplegia.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>A cross-sectional comparative study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eleven patients with stroke with hemiplegia were analyzed using 2 types of AFOs: a dorsiflexion-assisted AFO (Gait Solution Design®: GSD) and a bidirectional control AFO (WalkOn Trimable®: WOT). Gait analysis was performed using 3-dimensional motion analysis to measure gait speed, ankle plantarflexion moment, hip extension angle, shank inclination angle, and the percentage of terminal stance. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the effects of GSD and WOT on these gait parameters.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The GSD significantly increased ankle plantarflexion moment and shank inclination angle, supporting the heel rocker (HR) and ankle rocker (AR) functions. In contrast, the WOT significantly increased hip extension angle and the percentage of terminal stance, facilitating the Forefoot Rocker function.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>For patients with stroke with impaired HR and AR function, dorsiflexion-assisted AFOs like GSD are preferable. For patients with established HR and AR function but impaired Forefoot Rocker, bidirectional control AFOs such as WOT are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"560-566"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perception of ankle foot orthoses by individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.","authors":"Kirsten M Anderson, Riccardo Zuccarino, Sara M Magdziarz, Michael E Shy, Jason M Wilken","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000500","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000500","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Many individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) use ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) to address balance and functional deficits.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study was conducted to further understand how individuals with CMT perceive the effects of AFO use on function.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional online survey.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Individuals with CMT provided free text responses to 3 questions: (Q1) What would you change about your orthosis if you could? (Q2) What activities does your ankle foot orthosis improve? (Q3) What activities does your ankle foot orthosis limit? Two independent reviewers evaluated responses and used an inductive approach to identify primary themes. Percent agreement between reviewers was calculated for each primary theme.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 310 individuals participated, and 5 primary themes were identified for each question. Q1 primary themes included ease of use or functionality, compatibility with shoes, durability, appearance, and comfort or fit. Q2 primary themes included walking, standing, balance and stability, physical health, and activities of daily life. Q3 primary themes were related to shoes or clothing, balance or inclines, mobility, long-term use, and general activities. Average percent agreement between reviewers was 63% (17%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Study results align with previously reported data collected using patient-reported outcome surveys. In addition, participants highlighted concerns that are not usually addressed in orthosis-related questionnaires. These data emphasize areas of improvement for orthotic treatment relevant to individuals with CMT and which may help guide future research aiming to improve functional outcomes and compliance with orthotic interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"576-580"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12687943/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145287414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reliability of a novel in vivo optical strain assessment of carbon fiber custom dynamic orthoses.","authors":"Sara M Magdziarz, Ana V Figueroa, Jessica E Goetz, Jason M Wilken","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000494","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000494","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) design, including geometry and material selection, is tailored to meet specific clinical objectives. Understanding AFO mechanical behavior may provide insight into the effect of design considerations on the functional benefits to AFO users. Mechanical characteristics of AFOs are primarily assessed using strain gauges or computational modeling, both of which have limitations.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Determine the test-retest reliability of weight-bearing carbon fiber dynamic AFO (CDO) surface strain measurements obtained using digital image correlation (DIC).</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Prospective, randomized, cross-sectional reliability study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>CDO displacement and surface strain were measured at three strut locations using DIC while 30 participants deflected the CDO into dorsiflexion at three time points. Test-retest reliability of strain measurements was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), minimum detectable change (MDC), and percentage MDC values.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Minimum detectable change and ICC values were between 0.005%‒0.010% and 0.14‒0.76, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient were generally higher at more distal strut locations and larger ankle dorsiflexion angles, with a mean ICC across locations of 0.55. Proximal strain was 31%‒59% lower than strain in middle and distal regions, respectively. Lower absolute strain values in the proximal location resulted in higher average relative measurement error (12.2%) compared to the distal and middle locations (4.4% and 6.5%, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Three-dimensional digital image correlation can provide reliable estimates of CDO surface strain, supporting its use for evaluating orthosis mechanical behavior. Better understanding of in vivo strain behavior across the CDO surface may assist with future device design and prescription to improve functional outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"594-599"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12758383/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145287391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}