What variables influence the ability of an AFO to improve function and when are they indicated?

Background: Children with spina bifida often present with functional deficits of the lower limb associated with neurosegmental lesion levels and require orthotic management. The most used orthosis for children with spina bifida is the ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). The AFO improves ambulation and reduces energy cost while walking.

Effect of ankle-foot orthosis alignment and foot-plate length on the gait of adults with poststroke hemiplegia.

Objective: To investigate the effect of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) alignment and foot-plate length on sagittal plane knee kinematics and kinetics during gait in adults with poststroke hemiplegia.

Design: Repeated measures, quasi-experimental study.

Setting: Motion analysis laboratory.