C24 - O&P Free Papers -- Upper Extremity Orthotics and General Topics

This session contains the following Free Papers

(C24A) Improved DASH Outcome Measure in Chronic Stroke after Myoelectric Arm Orthosis Use at Home: A Retrospective Study
Presenter: Sarah Chang, PhD – Chief Scientific Officer, Orthocare Innovations, LLC
A myoelectric arm orthosis can restore function in the upper limb by providing rigid support to the weak arm and powered movement to assist the hand and elbow. We conducted a retrospective study to determine the outcomes and clinical benefits provided by the MyoPro in individuals with upper limb impairment due to stroke.

(C24B) Myoelectric Orthosis Assists Functional Activities in Individuals with Upper Limb Impairment After 3-months of Home Use
Presenter: Jonathan Naft, CPO – Founder, Comb O&P
A myoelectric arm orthosis has been shown to improve motor control and user-reported function and independence in individuals post-stroke. We conducted a study to observe the functional gains in completing functional tasks with and without the MyoPro in individuals with upper limb impairment due to stroke.

(C24C) Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use Among Adults with Lower-limb Loss: A Beers Criteria-based Study
Presenter: Samantha Stauffer, CPO, MSOP – Director of Research, Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics
As we age, our body may become more sensitive to specific medications - due to this, the American Geriatrics Society has identified medications whose risks outweigh the benefits for older adults, known as the Beers Criteria. This study identifies potentially inappropriate medications frequently used by older adults with lower-limb loss which may exacerbate adverse health outcomes.

(C24D) Increasing Skill Transference of Prosthesis Training in Augmented Reality
Presenter: Christopher Hunt, PhD – Research Scientist, Infinite Biomedical Technologies
Despite the growing interest in augmented reality (AR) as a modality for prosthetic training, there is mixed evidence on its effectiveness in translating the motor skills learned in a virtual environment to those required for real-world prosthesis use. In this work, we explore the effect that limb loading has on the efficacy of AR prosthesis training for an individual with upper-limb loss.

(C24E) Skin Assessment on People of Color in Prosthetics and Orthotics
Co-Presenter: Cody McDonald, PhD, MPH, CPO – Assistant Professor
Co-Presenter: Gabrielle Richardson, LCP – Licensed Certified Prosthetist, Board Eligible Orthotist
Darker skin tones are currently underrepresented in orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) clinical education. To address this issue, we are developing an evidence-based digital handbook that includes images and descriptions of various skin problems as they appear on darker skin tones. We will share the development and implementation of the project and provide the opportunity for O&P community members to get involved.

(C24F) Characteristics of Protheses and Orthoses Device Users Utilizing ADA Paratransit Service
Presenter: Caitlin L. Bowman – Graduate Research Assistant, Student, University of Pittsburgh
We all have had the experience of a patient who has sat in our waiting room for hours waiting for their ride to arrive, or patients showing up hours late to their appointment due to transit struggles, and the frustrations this brings. This paper and presentation aims to describe O&P patient subpopulations who are most reliant on ADA paratransit services to get to appointments, and how this might impact their ability to be compliant with O&P care.

(C24G) Perceived Hazard Exposure and Accommodation While Pregnant and Not Pregnant in Orthotic & Prosthetic Employees
Presenter: Sophia Mancini, MS, MSOP – Prosthetics Resident, Eastern Michigan University
O&P is vastly growing among the female population, leading to more potential for clinicians or technicians to become pregnant while employed. This research compiles information from females regarding what accommodations they may have requested during pregnancy, their awareness of their rights in the workplace, and their perceived exposure to 9 known hazards in the field while pregnant and not pregnant.