User Satisfaction with Conventional Lower-Limb Orthotic Devices:  A Cross-Sectional Survey in Pakistan

Zohaib Aftab; Ahmad Zohaib Zaidi; Faraz Shafi

doi:10.47985/dcidj.380

User Satisfaction with Conventional Lower-Limb Orthotic Devices: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Pakistan

Zohaib Aftab , Ahmad Zohaib Zaidi , Faraz Shafi

Articles

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47985/dcidj.380

Submitted: 2020-11-01 06:25:21

Published: 2020-12-19

Purpose: Persons with disabilities affecting lower-limb function use ankle-foot-orthoses (AFO) and knee-ankle-foot-orthoses (KAFO) on a regular basis. However, the effectiveness of these devices in daily use is seldom evaluated, especially in the developing world. This study aimed to evaluate user satisfaction with lower-limb orthotic devices while performing a broad spectrum of daily life activities in Pakistan, and to document the desired outcomes.

Method: A survey was conducted among orthotic device users in the out-patient departments of three hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. The survey questionnaire was devised by adapting the Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire to suit orthotics evaluation. Fifty-four AFO and KAFO users participated in the study.

Results: Most users felt comfortable while walking on even surfaces with their orthoses. However, donning/doffing these, climbing stairs and performing certain routine activities were considered problematic for most people. Energy conservation was the most desired AFO feature, while the KAFO users wanted automatic knee-joint function.

Conclusion and Implications: Overall satisfaction with the existing lower-limb orthoses is adequate. Yet, significant improvements are needed in terms of energy efficiency and comfort while walking on different terrains. Further research is required in order to improve the functioning of the existing orthotic devices.

Keywords

Lower-limb orthoses polio stroke AFO KAFO

Authors

Zohaib Aftab

Dr. Zohaib Aftab is an Assistant Professor in Engineering at the University of Central Punjab (UCP) in Pakistan. He earned his Masters in Robotics in 2009 from Ecole Centrale Nantes France and a Ph.D. degree in Biomechanics in 2012. During his stay in France, he worked at renowned French research institutes in Robotics and Control (INRIA and IRCCyN). His current research interests include design of orthotic exoskeletons for the developing world. He is also the Director of the Biomechatronics and Human-Centered Robotics laboratories in UCP. He is currently leading several projects in this domain.

Ahmad Zohaib Zaidi

Ahmad Zohaib Zaidi is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering in the University of Central Punjab, Pakistan. He holds a Masters degree in Engineering. His research interests include design of mechanical orthotic joints and human gait analysis.

Faraz Shafi

Faraz Shafi is a Research Assistant at the Human-Centered Robotics Lab of National Center of Robotics and Automation in Pakistan. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He works on the development of novel exoskeleton designs for the developing world.

How to Cite

Zohaib Aftab, Ahmad Zohaib Zaidi, Faraz Shafi (2020-12-19). User Satisfaction with Conventional Lower-Limb Orthotic Devices: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Pakistan. Disability, CBR & Inclusive Development, Vol. 31 No. 3 (2020): Autumn, 79-98. https://doi.org/10.47985/dcidj.380

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