Static progressive orthoses use which type of components?

• A. Inelastic components
• B. Elastic components
• C. Both elastic and inelastic components
• D. No components

Answer: (A)

Static progressive orthoses rely on non-elastic components to hold a joint at a fixed end range while you progressively adjust the device to increase ROM. The end range is maintained with rigid, inelastic elements—like solid uprights, non-stretch straps, and adjustable stops—so there’s no elastic recoil pulling the joint back. Progression comes from repeatedly readjusting these non-elastic components to lengthen the stretch, not from a continuous elastic pull. This is different from dynamic systems, which use elastic components to apply a constant gentle force and allow movement. An all-elastic setup wouldn’t reliably maintain a true end range or allow controlled progression.