Effect of Ankle-Foot Orthosis on Gait and Balance in Children With Hemiparatic Cerebral Palsy

Comparison of the Effects of Unilateral and Bilateral Plastic Ankle Foot Orthosis on Gait and Balance in Children With Hemiparatic Cerebral Palsy

Background: Ankle-foot orthoses are frequently prescribed to reduce spasticity, position the extremity more properly, and regulate gait during the rehabilitation process of children with cerebral palsy.

Objective: To investigate the effects of unilateral or bilateral use of plastic ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) used in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (CP) on the child's gait and balance.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of unilateral and bilateral use of AFOs used in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy on gait and balance.

Methods: 19 cooperative children aged 4-12 years, with gross motor function classification system levels 1 and 2, using bilateral AFOs were included in the study. Children were evaluated with bilateral AFOs, unilateral AFOs, and without AFOs. Trunk sway assessment was performed on the Bertec Balance force platform with eyes open and closed, and time-spatial characteristics of gait were evaluated with the GAITRite electronic walkway.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with Hemiparatic SP
• Cooperative
• Classified as 1 or 2 levels in GMFCS
• Lower extremity muscles with spasticity severity of up to 2 according to Modified Ashworth
• Using Bilateral Plastic AFO Orthosis for the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• foot deformity
• using walking aids
• unable to walk independently