Adjustment with Ottobock C-Soft
STP Extension Damping
During physiological gait, stance phase flexion is followed by renewed extension of the knee joint while shifting
weight to the forefoot (triggering the swing phase).
The parameter 'STP Extension Damping' influences this harmonious and natural gait pattern, which results in a
movement pattern that protects the remainder of the locomotor system.
The adjustment of the parameter 'STP Extension Damping' determines how smoothly the leg returns to an exten
ded position after stance phase flexion. This influences the abruptness of the stop when the knee is stopped prior
to full extension after stance phase flexion. The extension movement of the leg can be controlled with this adjust
ment.
Adjustment:
Have the patient walk at several different walking speeds and adjust the parameter 'STP Extension Damping' using
the slider control. The goal is to avoid an abrupt extension stop, while also avoiding the feeling that the knee joint is
stuck in a flexed position at different walking speeds. The amount of force required by the patient to extend the
knee joint must not be excessive.
Maximum Toe Load
The parameter 'Maximum Toe Load' is essential for triggering the swing phase. As soon as the forefoot load with
the leg extended exceeds 70% of the value configured for this parameter, the knee joint is released. This permits
unimpeded flexion in the swing phase.
Adjustment:
The orthosis wearer walks a few steps (between parallel bars). Observe the course of the toe load in the bar dia
gram at the bottom right while the patient is walking. Adjust the 'Maximum Toe Load' slider control so that the
orange marking in the bar diagram coincides with the maximum value of the trailing pointer. The patient should be
able to reliably trigger the swing phase while walking on level ground.
INFORMATION
Also verify the adjustment while standing: the swing phase must not be triggered unintentionally while standing. If
this is the case, the setting for the parameter 'Maximum Toe Load' is too low.
64 | Ottobock
C-Brace