Psychosocial Correlates and Behavioral Response to a Carbon Fiber Orthosis and Intensive Rehabilitation Program

Introduction Carbon fiber custom dynamic orthoses (CDOs), a type of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), have been shown to improve function and mobility. Psychosocial aspects of disability can influence outcomes in prosthetic and orthotic users, but their association with outcomes in CDO users is unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between physical and psychosocial outcomes following an intensive rehabilitative program including a carbon fiber ankle-foot orthosis, and identify factors related to continued orthosis use. Study Design Retrospective cohort with long-term follow-up. Methods An online survey including questions about device behaviors, self-reported function, pain, global health, self-efficacy, pain interference, resilience, and kinesiophobia was completed by participants who received a custom carbon fiber ankle-foot orthosis and intensive training because of chronic neuromusculoskeletal lower-limb disability. Results The mean follow-up was 4.0 (±1.0) years. Sixty-three adult participants responded to the survey (21 women, 42 men; mean age, 41 ± 12 years). All psychosocial outcomes at follow-up were within “good” or “normal” limits (<1 SD from reference population mean) on average. Strong correlations were observed between self-reported physical function and psychosocial outcomes, and moderate correlations were observed among psychosocial outcomes, between baseline physical outcomes and psychosocial outcomes, and between long-term outcomes and psychosocial outcomes. Device continuation at long-term follow-up was 68%. Conclusions Four years after the intervention, respondents with chronic lower-limb disabilities reported scores that were comparable to normative values for kinesiophobia, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy for managing their condition, pain interference, and psychological resilience. Clinical Relevance Psychosocial variables can affect the outcomes with, and perception of, orthotic devices in individuals with lower-limb neuromusculoskeletal deficits. A goal-oriented care program with emphasis on technique training, postdelivery follow-up, and psychosocial status may help explain long-term outcomes with CDOs and continued device use.