The following studies relate to the use of Hip Flexion Assist Orthoses such as the Dicuts hip foot and the Dicuts hip knee. In people with Multiple Sclerosis as well as in the elderly.
The study investigates the efficacy and safety of a Hip Flexion Assist Orthosis (HFAO) for ambulatory patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who have hip flexor weakness. The study involved fitting patients with the HFAO and monitoring them over a 12-week period. The results showed significant improvements in lower extremity strength and gait performance, as well as a high level of patient satisfaction. The HFAO was found to be a safe and well-tolerated device, with most complications being minor and manageable. The study suggests that the HFAO is a viable orthotic option for MS patients with hip flexor weakness, improving both gait and daily activity levels.
This research paper investigates the biomechanical effects of a novel, low-profile, passive hip flexion orthosis (HFO) on individuals with and without multiple sclerosis (MS). The HFO, utilising resistance bands to redirect energy during gait, was tested at three stiffness levels. The study found that the HFO was well-tolerated and significantly increased peak hip flexion and decreased peak hip extension in individuals with MS, promoting more typical hip movement. Whilst healthy subjects showed less kinematic change, the HFO generally increased hip power in both groups. Muscle activity changes were inconsistent. The nominal-stiffness setting (B1) produced the most pronounced effects. The study concludes that the HFO shows promise for mobility assistance in people with MS, highlighting its accessibility due to its design and materials.
This research paper investigates the potential of a passive hip flexion device, the Exoband, to reduce the energy expenditure of walking in older adults. The study's premise is that elevated energy cost during walking contributes to reduced mobility and declining health in older individuals. The researchers tested the Exoband on a group of older adults, measuring their metabolic power, spatio-temporal parameters, and perceived exertion while walking with and without the device; finding a reduction in net metabolic power when using the Exoband. The paper's conclusion is that such low-cost, lightweight wearable devices could make walking less demanding, potentially improving the health and quality of life for older adults.
Published in Assistive Technology, this paper investigates the potential of the Exoband, a passive hip exoskeleton, to improve gait rehabilitation. The study assesses the impact of a 5-week gait training program using the Exoband on walking distance and perceived exertion in patients with neurological diseases. Findings indicate that participants experienced a significant increase in walking distance with repeated use of the Exoband. This suggests that such lightweight, low-cost devices may be a useful tool in enhancing gait rehabilitation for individuals with mobility impairments caused by neurological conditions.