Introduction: Orthoses serve a key role in enhancing, maintenance and promotion of physical and mental health along with the general well-being of numerous patients requiring lower limb support. Orthotic devices are either pre-made or custom made and are adjusted to the patient's lower limb. They provide support, control joint stability and movement and compensate for weakness of specific muscles. Orthoses are prescribed for protection of joint injury, treatment of deformities and pain control. The term compliance indicates the extent to which patient's behaviour corresponds with the prescribed therapy, however excluding their autonomy in planning and decision-making about their treatment and therapy. Adherence, on the other hand, is an active process which emphasises the patient's positive and proactive role as well as their responsibility for treatment outcomes. Purpose: The literature review conducted in the diploma work aimed to identify and explain the reasons for patients' non-adherence to the prescribed treatment with lower limb orthoses. Methods: A descriptive research method was applied, and the results of the study were analysed and compared. Results: Nine studies were included in the diploma work which discussed the reasons and barriers to patients' adherence to the prescribed orthoses, the most common of which are discomfort, excessive weight, aesthetic appearance, rigidness, and difficulty to put on. Proper communication between a patient and health providers is of utmost importance to improve the regular use of orthosis. Discussion and conclusion: Orthoses for lower limbs improve the function, stability, functional position of the limb and provide a relief and transfer of forces on foot, ankle, and knee. Adherence with orthoses depends on numerous personal, emotional, and cognitive characteristics of the patient. The extent to which a patient follows the prescribed treatment is described as compliance and adherence. The terms differ in their connotation relating to the level of patient’s autonomy in the rehabilitation process. Patient adherence will be improved by proper therapeutic communication, continuous monitoring of the patient’s condition and adjustment of the device. Results of the study suggest that further studies include larger samples and provide additional guidelines for the work with patients with orthoses.
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