Table 4.

Details of the studies using step counters alone to monitor compliance, ordered by year published.

Author and Year	Orthosis Prescribed	Study Aim(s)	Population Demographics	Description of Technology	Instructions for Use	Wear Time Estimation	Pros of Method	Cons of Method
Sykes et al., 1996 [36]	Reciprocating gait orthoses (RGO) for spinal cord lesions	Objectively measure the number of steps taken while wearing the orthosis. Objectively measure home use of the orthosis, with and without electrical stimulation.	5 patients aged 24–37 years	Contact switch combined with electronic counter (Syrelec, Farnell, Leeds, UK). Switch consisted of two pieces of aluminium foil (30 mm × 30 mm) separated by plastic sponge foam (4 mm thick). Switch was enclosed in vinyl pocket and attached to heel area of the base of an ankle foot orthosis on the RGO. Switch was connected to a counter attached upright to the thigh area of the RGO. Counter, powered by lithium battery, could display up to 999,999 steps.	Monitoring of RGO use at home for 18 months.	When the contact switch is compressed, one step is registered using the counter. Readings were taken at intervals and the previous recordings were subtracted from the latest recording.	Reliability of step counter was good in laboratory setting. Low use of orthosis was seen in number of steps taken and in patient diaries.	Accuracy decreased when subject started using RGO at home (possibly due to tightness of shoelaces or deterioration of sponge in switch mechanism). Participants were reluctant to provide information.