,

Muscle Activation and AFOs

A recent study looked closely at muscle activation and AFOs (ankle foot orthotics). Read how it affected muscle activation in the lower leg.

A recent study looked closely at muscle activation and AFOs (ankle foot orthotics). The researchers explored how AFOs affect muscle activity during walking in the lower leg and ankle. Pediatric physical therapists frequently work on gait training with children who have cerebral palsy and use orthotics. The results of the study may be helpful in […]

, , ,

Shoes, Orthotics and Children

Here is a collection of informative blog posts to get some recommendations on purchasing shoes for children including shoes that fit over orthotics:  Shoe Recommendations for Children:  start here with this informative post of typical development of children’s feet.  There are some There are some general recommendations based on age and recommendations based on the […]

, ,

AFO’s and Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy

The Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation published a retrospective analysis on the effects of ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) on the gait of children with diplegic cerebral palsy.  Data was analyzed from 601 visits of 378 children with a diagnosis of diplegic cerebral palsy.  The children either wore a solid AFO, hinged AFO or posterior leaf spring […]

,

Postural Control and Ankle Foot Orthotics

Recent research studied the effects of ankle foot orthotics on trunk postural control and lower limb coordination in 20 children (ages 4-12) with and without cerebral palsy.  The results of tridimensional trunk kinematics and thigh, shank, and foot elevation angles while walking barefoot and with ankle foot orthotics indicated the following: significantly greater trunk excursions […]