HITEC University students study cerebral palsy gait in Training workshop on orthotic design

TAXILA: Seventh-semester biomedical engineering students at HITEC University watched a clinical gait assessment of a patient with cerebral palsy during a workshop on orthoses held on 15 October 2026.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering organized the workshop, “Identification of User Needs for Different Types of Orthoses Through Case Study,” as part of its Rehabilitation Engineering course. The aim was to connect classroom material with clinical practice through case studies, assessments and demonstrations.

The main session was the gait assessment of a patient with cerebral palsy who walks with a wide-based gait. Students observed the patient’s walking pattern and deviations in the gait cycle, then discussed how orthotic devices can help with the patient’s mobility problems.

Students also learned how clinicians assess muscle weakness and mobility limitations, and how they identify what a particular patient needs from an orthosis. Another topic was how engineers, orthotists, prosthetists, clinicians and therapists work together on a patient’s rehabilitation.

Two guest speakers from the orthotics field led parts of the workshop.Kamran Saleem Awan is CEO and founder of Arthromax Orthopedics and Podiatry SMC-Pvt Ltd and Muhammad Irshad Afridi is a senior orthotist and prosthetist at OPCCare, which provides orthotic, prosthetic and diabetic foot care.

The Department of Physical Therapy at HIT Hospital arranged the patient case studies.

Dr. Nazia Ejaz, who teaches the course, organized the workshop with support from Dr. Muhammad Asif, head of the department. Engr. Aliza Ranash, Engr. Syeda Abroo A. and Engr. Muhammad Taha Bin Athar were on the organizing team along with other faculty members.