How Do Paralyses and Orthoses Affect the Gait?

In order to be able to provide the right orthosis in case of paralysis of the entire leg muscles or individual muscle groups, it is necessary to perform a physical examination with determination of the muscle strength. Depending on which muscle group is weakened due toparalysis or which combination of paralyses and its manifestations are present, the orthosis must fulfil different functions. The right orthosis should compensate for functional restrictions of individual or multiple muscle groups. For planning the right orthosis, we recommend using the Orthosis Configurator.

1. The dorsiflexors lift the forefoot using concentric muscle work in the direction of dorsiflexion and lower it in a controlled manner using eccentric muscle work in the direction of plantar flexion. The following videos show how a custom-made orthosis can compensate for the functional deviations resulting from isolated foot drop.
2. The plantar flexors mainly contribute to being able to stand upright and walk by activating the forefoot lever and thus increasing the contact area to the floor when standing. They move the foot in the direction of plantar flexion.
3. The knee extensors extend the knee in the direction of extension.
4. The knee flexors bend the knee in the direction of flexion.
5. The hip flexors bend the hip joint in the direction of flexion.
6. The hip extensors extend the hip joint in extension as well as the knee in the direction of extension at the same time.