WALKING TRAINING-ORTHOTICS OR EARLY ASSITIVE DEVICES? OUTCOME MEASURES OF WALKING CAPACITY AND PERFORMANCE OF CHILDREN WITH MYELOMENINGOCELE
Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact and capabilities of children diagnosed with myelomeningocele. Studies advocate that other factor, such as secondary deformities, active lifestyle, fitness and daily physical activity can influence the ambulatory state (Mazur & Kyle, 2007). An independent ambulatory lifestyle is an important goal to work towards as an affected child. Studies support the efficiency of early bracing and the positive effect on more independent ambulation in adolescence (Mazur & Kyle, 2007). Personalized devices are utilized to assist the children to a more independent lifestyle. The support system of the diagnosed child plays a vital role in the treatment plan. “Parents of children with disabilities often experience a higher level of stress than parents of children without disabilities, regardless of categories of disabilities” (Hsiao, 2018). Parental/caregiver involvement and education directly correlates to the child’s development. This literature review main idea is to have the parents/caregivers of children with myelomeningocele participate in a study that they will decide to enroll their children in one of two programs—walking training-orthotics or early assistive devices. Following the enrollment, the program will test the efficacy of the devices by measuring walking capacity and performance. No research has been published examining the efficiency of the assistive devices in this study population. Keywords: myelomeningocele, early assistive devices, walking training-orthotics