Abstract
Lower-extremity orthoses (LEOs) have generally positive effects on gait ability in hemiplegic patients. However, little research on LEO prescription behavior has been conducted. The objective of this cross-sectional questionnaire survey was to investigate the prescription of LEOs in rehabilitation facilities in Kagoshima Prefecture. A sample of 250 rehabilitation facilities was recruited to complete the questionnaire, with an overall response rate of 60.8% (152 of 250). In approximately half of the responding rehabilitation facilities, the rehabilitation facility system was well designed and the number of therapists was substantial. However, implementation of the brace clinic was very low (21%), and the number of people involved in the discussion of LEO prescription was small. Many rehabilitation facilities had minimal varieties and a low number of tentative LEOs. We thus concluded that the discussion regarding the prescription of LEOs is currently insufficient in the rehabilitation facilities in Kagoshima Prefecture. We considered that preparation of the tentative LEOs is necessary for the appropriate prescription of LEOs. Further, it is necessary to foster a facility environment towards implementing brace clinics.
