Controlled ankle motion (CAM) Walker boots

NewsBot · Dec 28, 2023

Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.
Acute biomechanical responses to wearing a controlled ankle motion (CAM) Walker boot during walking
Josh Walker et al
Gait & Posture; Volume 108, February 2024, Pages 208-214

Highlights
•CAM boots reduce preferred gait speed, which reduces mechanical work requirements.
•CAM boots do require compensatory mechanisms in ipsilateral hip and knee joints.
•Compensatory mechanisms can be reduced with the implementation of an even-up walker.
•CAM boot wear with and without even-up walkers affects contralateral limb function.
•Prolonged CAM boot wear could lead to secondary site injury (e.g., lower-back pain).
Click to expand...

Background
Controlled ankle motion (CAM) boots are often prescribed during the rehabilitation of lower limb injuries and pathologies to reduce foot and ankle movement and loading whilst allowing the patient to maintain normal daily function.

Research question
The aim of this study was to quantify the compensatory biomechanical mechanisms undergone by the ipsilateral hip and knee joints during walking. In addition, the compensatory mechanisms displayed by the contralateral limb were also considered.

Methods
Twelve healthy participants walked on an instrumented treadmill at their preferred walking speed. They underwent kinematic and kinetic analysis during four footwear conditions: normal shoes (NORM), a Malleo Immobil Air Walker on the right leg (OTTO), a Rebound® Air Walker on the right leg with (EVEN) and without (OSS) an Evenup Shoelift™ on the contralateral leg.

Results
CAM boot wear increased the relative joint contribution to total mechanical work from the ipsilateral hip and knee joints (p < 0.05), which was characterised by increased hip and knee abduction during the swing phase of the gait cycle. EVEN increased the absolute work done and relative contribution of the contralateral limb. CAM boot wear reduced walking speed (p < 0.05), which was partially compensated for during EVEN.

Significance
The increased hip abduction in the ipsilateral leg was likely caused by the increase in effective leg length and limb mass, which could lead to secondary site complications following prolonged CAM boot wear. Although prescribing an even-up walker partially mitigates these compensatory mechanisms, adverse effects to contralateral limb kinematics and kinetics (e.g., elevated knee joint work) should be considered.
Click to expand...

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

Smartphone controlled toning/unstable shoe

Uncontrolled Itching In Arch Of Foot

uncontrolled itching in arch of foot

Effectiveness of customised foot orthoses for Achilles tendinopathy: a randomised controlled trial

Common Disorders: It’s Not the Genes Themselves, But How They Are Controlled

Steroid injection for inferior heel pain: a randomised controlled trial.

uncontrolled itching in arch of foot

Share This Page