Orthoses are devices worn by patients to support their body and are a non-surgical method for correcting foot and ankle problems. In a national survey, Nester et al, reported in 2017, there are approximately 9 million orthosis users in the UK, and of these 78,000 patients each year need a customised orthosis [1]. The same survey identifies the number of orthoses users in the UK had grown from 1.2 million in 2007, which is nearly an eightfold increase over one decade. The traditional method of fabricating orthoses is extensively craft orientated. The assessment, fabrication, and fitting of an orthosis to a patient is a lengthy process at up to twelve weeks duration and can involve significant engagement with the patient. 3D Printing combined with digital design, laser scanning and gait analysis technologies could dramatically reduce the time of the orthosis fabrication process, accelerate patient healing and reduce cost.
Biofeedback intervention draws from multiple attitudes toward healing: mind-body medicine, behavioral psychology, sport psychology, experimental psychology, contemplative practices, and so forth. The most prominent approach is behavioral psychology. Following this psychological orientation, we use biofeedback instrumentation as a conditioning methodology. On the other hand, drawing from experimental psychology, the same instrumentation is used to achieve awareness. Awareness does not necessarily precede change. This article aims first to outline the difference between conditioning and learning and then introduce a session format that promotes learning.
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