The Effect of Early Supramalleolar Orthosis (SMO) Intervention on Kinematics at the Knee during Standing and Walking Activities in Pediatric Patients
Date of Award
Summer 6-26-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effect of early Supramalleolar Orthosis (SMO) intervention on knee kinematics. The ossification process of the pediatric foot is not completed until the age of seven years old. For years, it has been hypothesized that early SMO intervention can help facilitate normal growth and development of the lower extremities. Current research pointed towards observation for the pediatric asymptomatic flatfeet instead of any orthotic intervention. The present study compared the Q angle values of participants in and out of SMOs during static and dynamic walking activities. From this study, the orthotist would be able to understand the indirect effect of SMO use for asymptomatic or symptomatic flatfeet in children on knee kinematics. This study was completed with 20 participants aged two through ten with multiple Foot Posture Index (FPI) scores.