Observational Study in Ambulatory MS Patients on HFAO Usage

In a retrospective review of 54 ambulatory MS patients, 48 were recommended a hip flexion assist orthosis (HFAO); 40 acquired a device, with 19 using it regularly. Thirteen patients discontinued after a mean of 20 months, mainly due to pain/discomfort and device bulkiness. Higher lower-limb spasticity was linked to discontinuation, and cost was the primary barrier to adoption.

Tags: #MSResearch
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Source: Read original source (PMID 42769684)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Why it matters

This study highlights the usage patterns and challenges of HFAO among MS patients, which can inform future device improvements and accessibility.

What this does not prove

The retrospective nature of the study means it cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, only ambulatory patients were included, limiting the generalizability of the findings.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Observational
Participants / samples: 54 · basis not reported
Randomised: No
Controlled: Not reported
Primary endpoint met: Not reported
Relevant MS type: Not reported
Publication date: 2026-05-25
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Not classified

Original sources

Primary evidencePractice Patterns of Hip Flexion Assist Orthosis Use in Multiple Sclerosis: A Retrospective Community-Based Analysis. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.arrct.2026.100640

Supporting passages (8)

study designRetrospective chart review.

subjectsPARTICIPANTS: Fifty-four ambulatory patients with MS who were previously assessed for HFAO use between November 2017 and October 2023.

sample sizePARTICIPANTS: Fifty-four ambulatory patients with MS who were previously assessed for HFAO use between November 2017 and October 2023.

randomizedParticipants were categorized into groups based on HFAO outcomes: regular use, no follow-up postpurchase, discontinued use, declined HFAO, or unsuccessful HFAO assessment.

primary endpointMAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of HFAO use and discontinuation, hip flexor and knee extensor Medical Research Council (MRC) strength scores, lower-limb spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and qualitative factors associated with device adoption and nonuse.

findingsOf 54 patients assessed, 48 were recommended an HFAO. Forty obtained a device, and 19 used it regularly.

publication datePublication date: 2026-05-25

limitationsTitle: Practice Patterns of Hip Flexion Assist Orthosis Use in Multiple Sclerosis: A Retrospective Community-Based Analysis.

AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.