GAIT WITH AN INDIVIDUAL WITH INCOMPLETE SCI (STANCE CONTROL ORTHOSIS VERSUS NO ORTHOSIS): A CASE REPORT. Twala H. Maresh*1; Amy Gross McMillan2; Margaret C. McGee1 1. Physical Therapy, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR; 2. Physical Therapy, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC UNIQUE: The Stance Control Orthosis (SCO) can be used by an individual with LE weakness. This device incorporates a newly designed knee joint that locks only on weight-bearing, while allowing free motion of the knee during swing phase. PURPOSE: The purpose of this case report was to determine whether or not this individual with an incomplete SCI, ASIA D, would move more efficiently and effectively using the SCO vs. no LE orthosis. FOUNDATION: Individuals with significant LE weakness typcially walk with the use of a locked knee-ankle-foot-orthosis (KAFO), which provides stability during stance but requires the individual to use an inefficient and cosmetically unappealing walking pattern. The subject in this case report was able to ambulate short distances without an orthosis, however fatigued easily on longer distances. Therefore, the SCO was determined to be the most appropriate, over a conventional KAFO, for longer distances by allowing free motion of the knee during swing, stability during stance and enabling the subject to utilize existing strength. DESCRIPTION: Data was collected on a subject with an incomplete spinal cord injury, ASIA D. This subject had worn a left SCO for 1 week prior to the initial data collection. Subsequent data collection sessions were performed at 5 and 10 weeks following the initial data collection. All of the subject's gait parameters were measured with the use of a rolling walker and the left SCO and without a left orthosis. OBSERVATIONS: The subject's average velocity with a rolling walker was faster with the SCO versus no orthosis. The subject's average swing time was more symmetrical with the SCO versus no orthosis in session 1 and 2, however it was more symmetrical without the SCO in session 3. The average left step length was greater in all sessions with the SCO and step lengths were more symmetrical when using the SCO. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this case report indicates that the subject used a more symmetrical walking pattern with the left SCO and a rolling walker than when using the rolling walker alone. Future studies incorporating the use of the SCO for individuals with incomplete SCI should be conducted to establish the effectiveness of the SCO as a treatment tool in this patient population. Such studies are crucial to physical therapist's attempts to engage in evidence-based practice. FUNDING SOURCE: none KEYWORDS: gait, spinal cord, stance control orthosis Copyright 2009 by the American Physical Therapy Association. Requests for reprints should be directed to the corresponding author of the article. Educators, students, and other academic customers may receive permission to reprint copyrighted material from Physical Therapy (ISSN 1538-6724) by contacting the Copyright Clearance Center Inc, 222 Rosewood Dr, Danvers, MA 01923. Other types of customers who want permission to reprint should contact the APTA Editorial Office, Attn: Physical Therapy.