High-level performance after the return to run clinical pathway in patients using the intrepid dynamic exoskeletal orthosis

BACKGROUND: Severe ankle and foot injuries in the US military can result in high-level functional limitation, lost duty days, and medical discharge. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of the Return to Run Clinical Pathway (RTR) in returning patients with lower extremity fractures who utilized the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis (IDEO) to high-level mobility. METHODS: Thirty servicemembers with lower extremity fractures who utilized the IDEO unilaterally and completed the RTR at Naval Medical Center San Diego were included in this retrospective operational review. The Comprehensive High-level Activity Mobility Predictor (CHAMP) and all subtests were completed prior to and after completion of the RTR as part of routine clinical care. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare CHAMP scores before and after the RTR. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found in the T test (mean change, faster by 5.3 seconds; 95% confidence interval: 3.6, 7.1 seconds; P = .03) and total CHAMP score (mean change, 4.2 points; 95% confidence interval: 3.0, 5.3 points; P<.05). No significant changes were noted in the singlelegged stance subtest, the Edgren sidestep test, or the Illinois agility test. CONCLUSION: The RTR led to improvements in high-level, multidirectional mobility in IDEO users with a history of fractures. Applicability of the intervention used in this study requires further validation before widespread use.