Investigation of the relationship between lower limb orthosis user satisfaction and quality of life and functionality in stroke patients: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Orthosis satisfaction may be an important parameter that increases orthosis usage and reveals orthosis' positive effect on rehabilitation.

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between lower limb orthosis user satisfaction and quality of life (QOL) and functionality in stroke patients.

Methods: Forty-four stroke patients with a mean age of 56.91 ± 14.08 years were included. Orthosis user satisfaction was evaluated using the Orthotics and Prosthetics Users' Survey (OPUS). QOL was assessed using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL). Lastly, functional status was evaluated using the Fugl - Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity (FMA-LE) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT).

Results: The relationships were found between the OPUS total satisfaction and SS-QOL-selfcare (r = -0.412, p = 0.005), and upper extremity (r = -0.401, p = 0.007); OPUS device satisfaction and SS-QOL-selfcare (r = -0.484, p < 0.001) and upper extremity function (r = -0.379, p = 0.011); and OPUS service satisfaction and FMA-LE (r = 0.880, p = 0.001). There was no relationship between the OPUS total satisfaction, service satisfaction, and daily orthosis use time (p > 0.05). While participants' QOL and lower extremity functionality were generally at low, those with better functional status had lower orthosis satisfaction because it made ambulation at home difficult.

Conclusion: Taking patient opinions into account in the orthotic design process will help to eliminate the problems related to comfort and orthotic wear that might affect orthotic satisfaction. The production of more comfortable orthoses might positively affect individuals' use of orthoses and satisfaction. This outcome may be a good starting point for prospective studies.