Male and female opinions about orthotic devices of the lower limb: A multicentre, observational study in patients with central neurological movement disorders.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Because user-satisfaction and acceptance may partly determine the grade of compliance to an orthotic device (OD), the aim of this multicentre observational study was to inquire the reasons for acceptance and the user-satisfaction of an OD of the lower limb in male and female central neurological movement disorders (CNMD) patients.

METHODS: Persons with CNMD having at least one prescribed OD of the lower limb were included. Two questionnaires were used: the MIRAD-ACCORT-II (reasons for acceptance) and a modified version of the D-QUEST 2.0 (user-satisfaction). Descriptive analyses were performed and to analyse the differences between the males' and females' answers Chi2- and Mann-Whitney U tests were used.

RESULTS: Twenty-six stroke and 23 multiple sclerosis patients participated (53% males). "Comfort", "safety", "effectiveness" and "ease of use" were reported as most important aspects. 86% of the patients were (very) satisfied about their OD. Only for the aspect safety, compared to males, significant more females reported that if the OD is not safe enough they will not use it.

CONCLUSION: For both, males and females, aspects related to comfort and functionality were reported as much more important than the esthetical aspects, and in general they are quite satisfied with the OD and the process of providing the OD. Orthopaedic technicians and health care providers can take these aspects into account when developing, constructing and providing OD's.