Clinical Efficacy of a Microprocessor Controlled KAFO – A Secondary Study

Abstract

Title:  Clinical Efficacy of a Microprocessor Controlled KAFO – A Secondary Study

Presenter:  Elaine Nelson, Blatchford, UK

 

BACKGROUND

Traditional Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) prioritise safety, often at the cost of functional mobility1, leading to locked knee gait patterns, compensatory movements, and increased metabolic cost3,4. To address this, Blatchford developed a microprocessor-controlled KAFO (MPKAFO) through a clinician-led collaboration with engineers, aiming to meet patient- centred needs and improve outcomes over traditional KAFOs.

 

AIM

To evaluate the clinical impact of transitioning from a traditional KAFO to the Tectus MPKAFO using remote monitoring via the SMARTSTEP platform.

 

METHOD

Participants using traditional KAFOs but suitable for an MPKAFO were recruited. IMU-based motion capture systems collected gait data at baseline, fitting, and follow-up. Additionally, participants wore motion sensors for four weeks in their traditional KAFO, with the process repeated after switching to the Tectus. Outcome measures included clinical assessments, gait analysis, and qualitative surveys addressing satisfaction, confidence, comfort, and daily function.

 

RESULTS

• Preliminary findings indicate:
• Enhanced gait consistency and dynamic stability with Tectus  Improved stride and turn stability
• Better mediolateral postural control
• Improved gait symmetry with greater swing-phase knee flexion  Slight improvements in forward acceleration consistency
• Reduced motion variability across all planes
•  

CONCLUSION

The Tectus MPKAFO improved gait control, dynamic stability, and swing-phase flexion, suggesting reduced fall risk and energy demands. SMARTSTEP-enabled remote monitoring captured real-world gait and satisfaction data, enhancing

ecological validity. Overall, the Tectus MPKAFO appears clinically effective in improving safety, functional performance, and walking efficiency.

 

References

1.  Pröbsting et al., 2017. Safety and walking ability of KAFO users with the C-Brace® Orthotronic Mobility System, a new microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 41(1), pp.65–77

2. Yilmaz et al., 2004. Energy expenditure and gait characteristics of spinal cord injured patients using reciprocating gait orthosis and knee–ankle–foot orthosis. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 28(2), pp.209–218

3.  Fatone et al., 2009. Evaluation of a stance-control knee–ankle–foot orthosis with swing-phase lock in persons with spinal cord injury. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 46(7), pp.965–976