Objectives: The present study explored challenges in Orthotics and prosthetics clinical learning environments in Iran. Methods: A qualitative content analysis method was used to obtain data on Orthotics and prosthetics clinical educator’ s experiences. Qualitative data were obtained using semistructured in-depth interviews involving 7 clinical educators; all selected by the maximum variation purposeful sampling method. Interviews continued until data saturation. Results: During the interview sessions, notes and ideas were classified and assorted. The study themes were relationships, personal characteristics, facilities, and policies. Analysis of the qualitative data provided insights into the barriers to the desired delivery of clinical education services. Discussion: The present research contributes to clinical educators’ experiences in respect of the clinical learning process. Clinical learning concerning Orthotics and prosthetics education remains crucial. The findings emphasize the importance of listening to educators, and consider how relationships and contexts impact clinical learning. Understanding the challenges in clinical education environments has increased the quality of clinical education in Orthotics and prosthetics field.

Background: Lateral wedge insole (LWI) aims to reduce loading on medial compartment of tibiofemoral joint in mild knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This effect may be augmented by concomitant use of subtalar strap to fix the ankle joint. Moreover, longitudinal arch support embedded in insoles can cause foot comfort and may be beneficial for people with KOA. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the immediate effect of LWI with an arch support with and without a subtalar strap on the kinetics and kinematics of walking in mild KOA. Methods: A convenient sample of 17 individuals with mild KOA (Kellgren and Lawrence grade II), aged ≥ 40 years were assessed in 3 conditions: without the insole; LWI; and LWI with a subtalar strap, where an arch support was embedded in all insoles. The primary outcomes were external knee adduction moment and angular impulse. The secondary outcomes were hip flexion and adduction moments, knee flexion angle, ankle eversion moment, and walking speed. The repeated measurements ANOVA was used to compare the primary and secondary outcomes between the conditions using SPSS. Significance level was set at 0. 05. Results: LWI and a subtalar strap can significantly increase the knee flexion angle at 0%-15% of the stance phase compared to no insole (p<0. 001). No other changes were observed (p=0. 142). Conclusion: LWI with an arch, with or without a subtalar strap, cannot impose any immediate changes on the kinetics and kinematics of lower limb joints during walking in people with mild KOA.

Background: 3D scanners are used to obtain three-dimensional (3D) shapes of body parts, offering an alternative to conventional techniques such as casting and a variety of potential advantages. However, 3D scanners are usually very expensive and not affordable and accessible for most orthotists and prosthetists, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of a low-cost handheld and affordable 3D scanner (3Dsystems, ‘ sense’ ) for use in Orthotics and prosthetics. Methods: The validity and reliability of the 3D Sense scanner were assessed through repeated scanning and measurement of the predefined circumferences of the stumps of four transtibial amputees and 8 body cast models. Two assessors performed digital scanning and tape measurement on two different days, each consisting of three trials per condition/day. The reliability of the 3D sense scanner was assessed by investigating between trials, the assessors, and day reliability using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients. The standard error of measurement (SEM) was also calculated to assess measurement error. The validity of the 3D sense scanner was assessed using correlation analysis, mean percentage error (the mean differences between scanner and tape measure), and Bland-Altman statistics. Results: The 3D Sense scanner provides stumps and body cast model measurements with similar reliability to the tape measure. Reliability coefficients for the 3D scanner are relatively high (ICC). The ICCs all are near 1. 0 and SEMs all range from 0. 06 to 0. 10. The 3D Sense scanner demonstrated excellent validity. There was a significant positive correlation between the 3D scanner and tape measure for both stumps and body cast models measurements (r>0. 850; P<0. 0001). The measurement error between the 3D scanner and tape measure is very low as indicated by mean differences close to zero. Conclusions: This study introduces a low-cost handheld and affordable 3D scanner, which has proven to be a valid and reliable clinical tool in Orthotics and prosthetics. This 3D scanner would have extensive and powerful clinical applicability resulting in valid and reliable digital information of body segments for computer-aided design (CAD) of Orthotics and prosthetics.

Objective Everyone is required to walk and stand for long time in daily activities, especially in the workplace. As a result, the Ground Reaction Force (GRF) on the components and joints is so great that they sometimes reach several times the weight of the body. These forces can have devastating effects on the feet and ankles. Various studies have suggested different methods and factors for reducing the GRF while walking. The purpose of this study was to identify the different causes of factors and methods affecting the GRF according to the current study. Materials & Methods This review study was conducted by searching the databases of ProQuest, PabMed, Web of Science, and MBS from 1995 to 2019. The keywords included 'Ground Reaction Force', foot orthosis', 'walking', 'long term standing impact force'. After reviewing the abstract and title of each study by the authors, the criteria for selecting the article were considered. At the control level of each article, based on the main design of the search, from 1 to 5 were scored as randomized control trial, prospective controlled trial (Cohort), case-control, pre/post, observational clinical consensus, respectively. The quality of the articles was evaluated and scored using the Down and Black tool. Results Out of 82 articles, 21 articles were selected for analysis based on the criteria. Reporting scores, external validity, and internal validity varied between 4-8, 3-1, 5-2, 6-3, 7-4, respectively. From the studies performed on the molding insoles and the change in the loading rate of the maximum vertical GRF, there is a contradiction in proving it. Investigating the effect of foot orthoses in terms of material may lead to a further reduction in plantar. Conclusion Determining the effect of different components on GRF in the sole of the foot will help us better understand the factors involved in quality of life. The four domains of gender, post, material, and molding had different effects. Due to the lack of articles related to the study of the effect of gender and the creation of posts in the insole on the GRF can not be decisive.