Evaluating Effects of Ankle-Foot Orthosis

 

A certified orthotist and prosthetist, Paul Leimkuehler recently received a promotion to the position of clinical director within Physio O&P. As an orthotics and prosthetics practitioner, Paul Leimkuehler is knowledgeable of lower-limb orthotics, including ankle foot orthotics (AFOs).

Also known as a foot drop brace, AFOs are braces usually made out of plastic. They are worn to support the ankle and hold it in the correct position to correct cases of foot drop. A symptom of a muscular, anatomical, or neurological problem, foot drop is the inability to easily lift the front part of the foot.

Because AFOs are worn on a long-term basis, researchers have conducted a number of studies to determine effects and evaluate the safety of AFOs. A 2002 study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation sought to determine whether the use of AFOs led to decreased muscular activity. Muscular activity was measured using surface electromyography. Measurements were taken both immediately and after six weeks.

The results showed that while the use of AFO resulted to an immediate muscular activity reduction on the ankle dorsiflexors, there was no accumulation in activity reduction when compared to the control group.

ROMP Holds Climbing Event to Raise Funds for Prosthetics

A graduate of Miami University and the prosthetics and orthotics certificate programs at Northwestern University, Paul Leimkuehler has spent nearly a decade in various positions in the orthotics and prosthetics field. Outside of his professional life, Paul Leimkuehler has given back to the community through his work with health care-related nonprofit groups such as the Range of Motion Project (ROMP).

Dedicated to eliminating ambulatory disabilities, ROMP offers orthotic braces and prosthetic limbs to individuals who do not have access to such medical devices. The organization implements a multi-pronged approach to fulfilling its mission that includes device distribution channels, local investment strategies, and advocacy outreach. To raise funds for its programs, ROMP hosts a range of annual events.

In July of 2015, ROMP held the inaugural Climbing for ROMP fundraiser. Hundreds of mountain climbers from countries around the world scaled local peaks to raise money for the organization. The global event’s showcase climb was at the Cayambe peak in Ecuador, which featured a team of 16 amputees and able-bodied participants. The group’s ascent highlighted the importance of mobility, the value of prosthetic care, and the need for legislation that protects individuals who require orthotics and prosthetics.