Abstract
Purpose
We describe a novel method to encourage children to weight-bear after frame surgery using a whoopee cushion; the objective of this study is to assess the amount of force taken though a limb using this method.
Design/participants
The amount force is required to activate the whoopee cushion is measured when a subject takes weight though a whoopee cushion on a force plate. The speed of the foot in vertical and horizontal planes is assessed with motion analysis to correlate this to the activation of the cushion and is assessed under different conditions, and with different whoopee cushions
Results
The average force required to reach the activation point was between 28N and 32N when only one cushion was strapped to the plantar surface of the foot. This is independent of the vertical speed of the foot, and of the horizontal walking speed. The use of shoes does not significantly alter the force required to reach the activation point. This force is a useful value to differentiate touch weight-bearing from partial weight-bearing. A child's weight-bearing status can be progressed if more than one whoopee cushion is used as the force needed increases.
Conclusions
The whoopee cushion has been used in the rehabilitation of children to encourage weight-bearing after frame surgery. It will allow the child to distinguish between different forces expected for touch-and partial weight bearing, and can also be used to progress weight-bearing if more than one cushion is used.
