At a glance:
It often starts off inconspicuously: the foot drags, walking becomes difficult, and the risk of falling increases. However, this so-called foot drop often masks a serious neurological condition such as a stroke or multiple sclerosis – conditions that affect millions of people worldwide.
This is precisely where Ann-Sophie Leibfarth, a student on the work-integrated ‘Physiotherapy’ degree programme at the SRH University’s Stuttgart campus, comes in. As part of her bachelor’s thesis, she developed an assessment protocol under the supervision of Prof. Dr Claudia Barthel and in collaboration with Anja Langenbacher from the SRH Gesundheitszentrum in Waldbronn. This is intended to help improve the care of patients using foot-lift orthoses. This is because there has been a lack of clear standards to date. Whether an orthosis is prescribed usually depends on the personal judgement of individual therapists. The result: significant variations in treatment and patients who do not always receive the support they urgently need.
Leibfarth aims to change this with her work. The goal is to create a fair, objective and uniform basis so that those affected can receive the appropriate care more quickly. And she is dispelling a persistent misconception: orthoses do not weaken the muscles. On the contrary – studies show that they can improve balance, mobility and quality of life.
We are delighted that such practice-oriented research is being carried out at our Stuttgart campus. By addressing this issue, significant social benefits will be generated, and the research will play a key role in helping many people stand more confidently on their feet again!
