The effects of different types of ankle-foot orthoses on postural responses in individuals with walking impairments.

The aim of this study was to examine the immediate and long-term effects of different ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) types on postural responses in patients with various pathological conditions who, because of their walking disorders, wore an AFO. A total of 37 patients with different pathological conditions who visited the outpatient clinic for orthotics because of walking problems, already used or were referred for an AFO and had no other impairments that may influence balance were included in the study. The participants were divided into four groups according to the type of AFO that they wore.