A proposed evidence-guided algorithm for the adjustment and optimization of multi-function articulated ankle-foot orthoses in the clinical setting.

ABSTRACT: Individuals with neuromuscular pathologies are often prescribed an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) to improve their gait mechanics by decreasing pathological movements of the ankle and lower limb. AFOs can resist or assist excessive or absent muscular forces that lead to tripping, instability, and slow inefficient gait. However, selecting the appropriate AFO with mechanical characteristics, which limit pathological ankle motion in certain phases of the gait cycle while facilitating effective ankle movement during other phases, requires careful clinical decision-making. The aim of this study is to propose an explicit methodology for the adjustment of multi-function articulated AFOs in clinical settings. A secondary aim is to outline the evidence supporting this methodology and to identify gaps in

SUBMITTER: LeCursi NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11307126 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature