A guide to the Elaine Owen OSKAR clinic

The OSKAR clinic offers a specialised approach to treating children with neurological lower-limb conditions. It was originally developed by physiotherapist Elaine Owen MBE MSc SRP MCSP, who is recognised worldwide for her expertise in clinical gait analysis and orthotic biomechanics.

Although Elaine is no longer seeing new patients herself, LOC has adopted OSKAR to provide the guiding protocols to our treatment of children with neurological conditions.

What Is the OSKAR Approach?

OSKAR stands for Optimal Segmental Kinematics and Alignment Approach to Rehabilitation. It is a method developed to improve mobility and function in children with neurological movement disorders, such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida.

The OSKAR approach focuses on analysing and improving how a child walks. Using advanced gait analysis and carefully designed orthotic devices, it aims to:

• enhance walking patterns
• improve balance and posture
• increase overall mobility and independence

The approach has been extensively researched and is considered the gold standard in orthotic care for children with lower limb conditions.

Elaine Owen

Elaine Owen is a physiotherapist with over 40 years of experience specialising in movement disorders in children. Her work focuses on understanding how children walk and designing orthoses (such as Ankle Foot Orthoses, or AFOs) that optimise their movement.

She has postgraduate qualifications in clinical gait analysis and orthotic biomechanics and has spent most of her career in the NHS, working with children with complex movement challenges.

Elaine’s pioneering work has helped many children achieve better mobility, and her expertise is at the heart of the OSKAR Clinic. Her methods are now recognised as the international standard for orthotic care.

The role of gait laboratory analysis

The OSKAR Clinic is closely linked with our on-site gait laboratory, a facility designed to study and analyse walking patterns. Using video vector technology, clinicians can observe how a child moves in detail and identify areas that need improvement.

The gait lab plays a key role in:

• recording and analysing walking patterns
• helping clinicians fine-tune orthotic designs for the best outcomes
• measuring progress over time to ensure treatment goals are being met

This analysis allows us to assess and finetune our orthotics to an excellent standard.

Which patients can benefit?

The OSKAR Clinic supports children with neurological movement disorders that affect their lower limbs. Conditions commonly treated include:

• cerebral palsy
• spina bifida
• other conditions affecting walking and mobility.

Each child’s condition is unique, so the clinic uses an individual assessment process to ensure the best possible care.

How the OSKAR process works

The clinic follows a structured process to provide comprehensive care:

1. Assessment

Each child is evaluated using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework. This helps clinicians understand the child’s abilities, challenges, and goals.

2. Gait Analysis

The gait laboratory is used to study the child’s walking patterns in detail.

3. Setting goals

Based on the assessment and gait analysis, specific treatment goals are set for each child.

4. Orthotic design and fitting

Orthoses, such as AFOs, are carefully designed and fitted to support and improve the child’s movement.

5. Review and adjustments

Progress is regularly reviewed, with adjustments made to the orthoses as needed.

This step-by-step approach ensures that every aspect of the child’s mobility is carefully considered and optimised.

Benefits of the OSKAR Clinic

The OSKAR Clinic provides significant benefits for both children and their families:

• Improved mobility: By optimising how a child walks, the clinic can help them gain greater independence and confidence.
• Evidence-based care: All treatments are grounded in rigorous research and advanced clinical methods.
• Personalised support: Every child receives a care plan tailored to their specific needs.
• Comprehensive service: From the initial assessment to ongoing adjustments, families can rely on a holistic and dependable service.
• Measurable progress: Regular reviews and gait analysis ensure that treatment goals are being met and adjusted as necessary.

Locations

The OSKAR Clinic is available at:

• Kingston upon Thames: at the London Orthotic Consultancy headquarters, using its state-of-the-art gait lab.
• Cambridge: using its own, state-of-the-art and purpose built gait lab.
• Manchester: at the University of Salford, utilising the university’s gait laboratory facilities.

What the OSKAR treatment package includes

Clinical assessment appointment (2 hours)

• Clinical history
• Setting of parent/patient goals
• Discussion of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF)
• Range of movement, strength and spasticity
• Gait laboratory video vector barefoot and in any current orthotics
• Discussion of orthotic prescription, outcome measures and identifying agreed ICF goals using information from the assessment and gait laboratory videos.

Casting Appointment (1 hour)

Precise scanning and specification of the custom-made orthosis.

Fitting appointment (2 hours)

• Fitting of orthosis and footwear
• Checking for comfort and marking
• Initial visual alignment while standing and walking

Gait Lab Video Vector Fine-tuning (2 hours)

Tuning of the orthosis and footwear while standing and walking using the video vector gait laboratory

2 x Follow up reviews (2 hours)

• Check of prescription and fine-tuning in the gait laboratory
• Compare outcomes and review goals
• Unlimited problem solving – Repairs of AFOs and re-soling of footwear