Ankle-foot orthoses: effect on gait in children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE: In this study our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) on gait function in patients with spastic cerebral palsy for whom orthoses were indicated to control dynamic equines deformity. METHOD: Twenty-four spastic cerebral palsied patients with dynamic equines deformity were included in the study. Videotape recordings were performed to each patient on the same day with barefoot and AFOs. Temporal distance factors including velocity, cadence, stride length, stride width and Clinical Gait Assessment Score (CGAS) were compared across two conditions. RESULTS: The use of AFOs during gait, produced a statistically significant increase in velocity (p=0.011) and stride length (p<0.001), no significant difference in cadence (p=0.501), and stride width (p=0.796), and a significant decrease in CGAS (p<0.001), compared to barefoot condition. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral palsied children with dynamic equines deformities can benefit from AFOs for ambulation.     

Ankle-foot orthoses: effect on gait in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose: In this study our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) on gait function in patients with spastic cerebral palsy for whom orthoses were indicated to control dynamic equines deformity. Method: Twenty-four spastic cerebral palsied patients with dynamic equines deformity were included in the study. Videotape recordings were performed to each patient on the same day with barefoot and AFOs. Temporal distance factors including velocity, cadence, stride length, stride width and Clinical Gait Assessment Score (CGAS) were compared across two conditions. Results: The use of AFOs during gait, produced a statistically significant increase in velocity (p=0.011) and stride length (p<0.001), no significant difference in cadence (p=0,501), and stride width (p=0.796), and a significant decrease in CGAS (p<0.001), compared to barefoot condition. Conclusions: Cerebral palsied children with dynamic equines deformities can benefit from AFOs for ambulation.     

The effect of hinged ankle-foot orthoses on sit-to-stand transfer in children with spastic cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of the hinged ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) on sit-to-stand (STS) transfers in children with spastic cerebral palsy. DESIGN: Before-after trial. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen spastic diplegic children (age range, 2-6 y). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The transitional movement of STS was tested in random order with children while wearing the barefoot and hinged AFOs. The temporal, kinematic, and kinetic data during the task were collected by using a motion analyzer (with 6 infrared cameras). Statistical comparison between barefoot and hinged AFO was done with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Total duration of STS transfer was significantly shortened with the hinged AFO (P <.05). The initial knee flexion, the initial angle, and the final angle of ankle dorsiflexion were increased with the AFO, compared with when barefoot (P <.05). However, the increased pelvic tilt and hip flexion while barefoot was not reduced with the AFO. The maximal moment and power of hip and knee joints were significantly increased with the AFO (P <.05), whereas the maximal moment and power of the ankle joint were not significantly changed when wearing the AFO. CONCLUSIONS: Although proximal compensatory strategy of increased pelvic tilt and hip flexion did not change with the hinged AFO, some improvements of temporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters were identified during the task. These findings suggest that a hinged AFO is beneficial for STS transfer activity for children with spastic diplegia.     

佩戴踝足矫形器对痉挛型脑性瘫痪儿童足底压力步态的作用

背景:由于设计及方法的差异,佩戴蹀足矫形器对脑性瘫痪(脑瘫)儿童步行时运动学、运动力学、能耗等各方面的影响尚未取得统一的结果.目的:观察佩戴踝足矫形器对痉挛型脑瘫患儿足底压力步态特征的影响.方法:采用足底压力式步态分析系统对21例具有独立步行能力的痉挛型脑瘫儿童进行步态分析.分别记录同一天内、同一时间段、同一种身体状态下不佩戴踝足矫形器及佩戴踝足矫形器步行时每例脑瘫患儿足底压力式步态分析数据,包括时间参数、运动学参数以及各参数的绝对对称性指标,并进行对比.记录双足的足底压力重心偏移轨迹作为步行能力的定性直观观察指标,对比佩戴支具前后的足底压力重心偏移轨迹图并做对照描述.结果与结论:与未佩戴踝足矫形器相比,佩戴踝足矫形器使痉挛型脑瘫患儿步态周期时间缩短,步频增加(P<0.01).佩戴踝足矫形器步行时脑瘫儿童单足支撑期、单侧支撑期、单足摆动期、步态周期时间的绝对对称性指标值均较未佩戴矫形器时显著减少(P<0.05).痉挛型脑瘫儿童步行时双足的足底压力重心偏移轨迹表现出无序的特性,不能形成左右对称的蝴蝶状轨迹图.佩戴踝足矫形器后,足底压力中心偏移轨迹比未佩戴时有序,尖足步态患儿佩戴踝足矫形器后患足的足底压力偏移轨迹起始点后移.结果提示痉挛型脑瘫儿童佩戴踝足矫形器后步态周期时间缩短,步频增加,步态对称性改善,总体步行能力得到提高.足底压力式步态分析系统能以客观精确的数据和直观的图表表达,是评定脑瘫儿童步行能力的一种新型测试手段.     

踝足矫形器佩戴时间对痉挛型脑性瘫痪儿童运动功能的影响

目的研究踝足矫形器（AFO）不同的佩戴时间对痉挛型脑性瘫痪（脑瘫）儿童运动功能的影响。 方法将52例痉挛型脑瘫儿童随机分为训练佩戴组16例、日间佩戴组19例和日夜佩戴组17例。3组患儿均给予常规康复治疗,训练佩戴组仅在运动训练时佩戴AFO;日间佩戴组平日运动时亦佩戴AFO,每日佩戴6~8 h;日夜佩戴组除清洗及进行部分训练项目时取下AFO外,其余时间均佩戴。3组患儿总疗程均为2个月。分别在康复治疗前、后测定患儿踝关节被动活动范围（APROM）,采用改良Ashworth量表（MAS）评定患儿痉挛情况,采用粗大运动功能测试量表（GMFM）中的D区及E区评定患儿的站立和步行能力。 结果3组患儿的APROM、MAS评分和GMFM评分治疗前比较,差异无统计学意义（P&rt;0.05）。治疗后,日间佩戴组、日夜佩戴组患儿的APROM、MAS评分和GMFM评分均高于训练佩戴组（P<0.05）,日间佩戴组和日夜佩戴组的APROM、MAS评分组间比较,差异无统计学意义（P&rt;0.05）,日间佩戴组GMFM评分明显高于日夜佩戴组（P<0.05）。 结论日间佩戴AFO 6~8 h对于缓解痉挛型脑瘫儿童踝跖屈肌群痉挛并提高其运动能力,较仅训练时佩戴AFO或日夜佩戴AFO更有效。     

Effect of ankle-foot orthoses on gait in typically developing children: Developmental trend in segmental coordination

Objective: As orthoses, and particularly ankle-foot orthoses, are widely used in the management of children with motor disorders, including cerebral palsy, we aimed to study their effect in normal children in order to add to normative gait data, which are essential for diagnosing, understanding and treating abnormal gait patterns. Design: We analyzed the effect of ankle-foot orthoses on classical gait parameters and lower limb segments coordination patterns in typically developing children in two age groups reflecting different neuromaturational/developmental situations. We recorded 3D kinematic gait patterns in 9 children (4-5 years) and 11 children (9-10 years) walking barefoot or wearing bilateral solid ankle-foot orthoses maintaining the ankle joint angle at a neutral position. Results: Ankle-foot orthoses induced little change in cadence, step length, step width or walking velocity in younger children, though they altered intralimb coordination through the gait cycle. In older children, walking velocity was reduced, shank elevation amplitude increased, while lower limb coordination changed less significantly. In this age group, ankle-foot orthoses significantly reduced the variability of coordinative strategies. Conclusion: Ankle-foot orthoses affect the gait pattern in children with a typical development at different levels in younger and older subjects, but the resulting changes are minimal.     

Effect of carbon-composite knee-ankle-foot orthoses on walking efficiency and gait in former polio patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of total-contact fitted carbon-composite knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) on energy cost of walking in patients with former polio who normally wear a conventional leather/metal KAFO or plastic/metal KAFO. DESIGN: A prospective uncontrolled study with a multiple baseline and follow-up design. Follow-up measurements continued until 26 weeks after intervention. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty adults with polio residuals (mean age 55 years). INTERVENTION: Each participant received a new carbon-composite KAFO, fitted according to a total-contact principle, which resulted in a rigid, lightweight and well-fitting KAFO. OUTCOME MEASURES: Energy cost of walking, walking speed, biomechanics of gait, physical functioning and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The energy cost decreased significantly, by 8%, compared with the original KAFO. Furthermore, the incremention energy cost during walking with the carbon-composite KAFO was reduced by 18% towards normative values. An improvement in knee flexion, forward excursion of the centre of pressure, peak ankle moment, and timing of peak ankle power were significantly associated with the decrease in energy cost. Walking speed and physical functioning remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: In patients with former polio, carbon-composite KAFOs are superior to conventional leather/metal and plastic/metal KAFOs with respect to improving walking efficiency and gait, and are therefore important in reducing overuse and maintaining functional abilities in polio survivors.     

踝足矫形器对脑瘫患儿异常步态的影响

目的:研究踝足矫形器对改善痉挛型脑瘫患儿步态的影响。方法:对30例脑瘫患儿配戴踝足矫形器前、后进行步态分析。结果:脑瘫患儿配戴踝足矫形器后,跨步长、步速明显提高,其中跨步长由0.38±0.13m增加至0.45±0.17m,步速由0.36±0.19m/s增加至0.47±0.14m/s;首次着地时踝关节的跖屈角度明显减少,由-11.98±8.43°减至-3.94±4.31°;髋关节站立相最大伸展角度由-7.41±10.06°增加至-14.10±10.60°;迈步相踝关节最大背屈角度明显提高,平均由-8.19±9.63°增至-4.25±3.71°;矢状面踝关节角度活动范围明显降低,平均由14.44±9.99°减至9.40±5.77°。结论:配戴踝足矫形器可以明显减轻脑瘫患儿异常步态模式的程度。     

早期使用踝足矫形器对脑性瘫痪婴儿预后的影响

目的:分析早期使用踝足矫形器行站立位运动训练对脑性瘫痪(脑瘫)婴儿预后的影响。方法:选取2003-05/2004-05天津儿童医院康复科收治的8～12个月龄痉挛型双瘫及四肢瘫脑瘫患儿共80例,以随机双盲法分为两组:观察组40例,对照组40例。实验过程:观察组在常规康复治疗的基础上,从治疗初即开始使用踝足矫形器行站立位运动训练。训练内容如下:①辅助下站立位抗重力训练,包括“自由站”与“捆站”两种方式。②双下肢能充分承重基础上行单下肢承重。③双下肢能充分承重基础上行躯干运动训练。④为独站、独走准备的立位运动训练。⑤以上内容循序渐进进行,1h/d。直至下肢能完全承重,异常站立姿势有效控制,患儿能独走后再考虑停用踝足矫形器。对照组按常规康复治疗,在24个月的观察期内,能独走后需要时再使用踝足矫形辅助站行,改善步态。实验评估:①采用残疾儿童综合功能评定量表在治疗前和治疗12,24个月后进行功能评估。量表内容包括5个方面(认知功能、言语功能、运动能力、自理动作、社会适应能力),每个方面包括10项具体内容,采用百分制评分标准(每项完成得2分,大部分完成得1.5分,完成一半得1分,小部分完成得0.5分,不能完成0分,满分为100分)。②观察组与对照组治疗12,24个月后可独走(3步以上)患儿人数。结果:对照组中途脱落4例,最终76名患儿进入结果分析。①治疗前综合功能评定两组相比差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。②治疗12个月后运动能力、自理动作和社会适应性方面分数观察组均高于对照组[(10.35±3.38),(8.25±2.71)分;(2.61±0.97),(2.01±0.82)分;(8.30±4.37),(6.36±3.26)分;P均<0.05],认知功能和言语功能两组相比差异无显著性意义(P>0.05),综合功能总分观察组高于对照组[(35.05±9.62),(29.00±7.10)分,P<0.05]。③治疗24个月后运动能力、自理动作和社会适应性方面分数观察组显著高于对照组[(15.15±2.25),(12.61±4.03)分;(4.35±1.24),(3.45±1.67)分;(10.61±4.71),(7.05±3.57)分;P均<0.001],认知功能和言语功能方面分数观察组高于对照组[(7.70±3.22),(6.22±3.15)分;(15.61±3.04),(13.50±5.02)分;P均<0.05],综合功能总分观察组显著高于对照组[(53.60±13.32),(42.83±10.48)分,P<0.001]。④观察组治疗12,24个月后能独走患儿人数均高于对照组[9例(22.5%),19例(47.5%);2例(5.6%),6例(16.7%),P<0.05]。结论:痉挛型脑瘫患儿8～12月龄开始使用踝足矫形器行站立位运动训练,可以更好地改善患儿综合功能,有助于实现尽早步行。     

脑性瘫痪病儿硬踝足矫形器的制作及应用

目的研究硬踝足矫形器对脑性瘫痪(脑瘫)病儿运动功能的影响。方法用高温聚乙烯板料为20例患儿制作并使用硬踝足矫形器,观察其对关节运动及痉挛的影响。结果硬踝足矫形器能够在三个平面提供合理的运动控制,能较好地控制踝跖屈、内外翻及抑制痉挛。结论硬踝足矫形器是脑瘫患儿改善步态较为理想的矫形器。     

Effects of inhibitive ankle-foot orthoses on standing balance in a child with cerebral palsy. A single-subject design

A single-subject, alternating treatments design was conducted to evaluate the effects of inhibitive ankle-foot orthoses on standing balance in a 4.5-year-old boy with moderate spastic quadriplegia who had been wearing an initial pair of inhibitive orthoses for one year. Before introducing the subject to a newly fabricated but similarly designed pair of orthoses, we collected baseline data on the duration of standing balance without orthoses during five sessions over a two-week period. The new orthoses then were applied, and we collected data for standing balance for another two weeks (five sessions) under two treatment conditions: with and without orthoses. We also noted qualitative differences in symmetry of stance pattern and ease of maintaining standing balance for both conditions. Improvements were noted in duration of standing balance, symmetry of stance, and ease of maintaining standing balance during the "with-orthoses" condition. Although these results support the efficacy of inhibitive orthoses for children with cerebral palsy, further, systematic, single-subject research is indicated.     

Effect of rhythmic auditory stimulation on gait performance in children with spastic cerebral palsy

The purpose of this study was to use Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) for children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) in a clinical setting in order to determine its effectiveness in gait training for ambulation. RAS has been shown to improve gait performance in patients with significant gait deficits. All 25 participants (6 to 20 years old) had spastic CP and were ambulatory, but needed to stabilize and gain more coordinated movement. Participants were placed in three groups: the control group, the therapist-guided training (TGT) group, and the self-guided training (SGT) group. The TGT group showed a statistically significant difference in stride length, velocity, and symmetry. The analysis of the results in SGT group suggests that the self-guided training might not be as effective as therapist-guided depending on motivation level. The results of this study support three conclusions: (a) RAS does influence gait performance of people with CP; (b) individual characteristics, such as cognitive functioning, support of parents, and physical ability play an important role in designing a training application, the effectiveness of RAS, and expected benefits from the training; and (c) velocity and stride length can be improved by enhancing balance, trajectory, and kinematic stability without increasing cadence.     

The effect of hinged ankle-foot orthosis on gait and energy expenditure in spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Purpose.?To assess the effectiveness of a hinged ankle-foot orthoses on gait impairments and energy expenditure in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) whom orthoses were indicated to control equines.

Method.?Eleven children (seven males, four females) who had a diagnosis of hemiplegic cerebral palsy were included in the study. Each child underwent gait analysis and energy consumption studies with and without ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). The AFOs were all custom-made for the individual child and had plantarflexion stop at 0° with no dorsoflexion stop. The Vicon 512 Motion analysis system was used for gait analysis. Walking energy expenditure measurements were done with breath by breath method using an open-circuit indirect calorimeter (Vmax 29c, Sensormedics, USA). All tests were carried out on the same day with enough resting period.

Results.?AFO application, as compared with the barefoot condition improved walking speed, stride length and single support time. Double support time was decreased significantly with AFOs and no change in cadance. Ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact, midstance and midswing showed significiant increase. Knee flexion at initial contact was decreased and no significant change in maximum knee extension at stance and maximum knee flexion at swing was obtained. The oxygen consumption was significantly reduced during AFO walking.

Conclusion.?The hinged AFO is useful in controlling dynamic equinus deformity and reducing the energy expenditure of gait in children with hemiplegic spastic cerebral palsy.     

Effects of biofeedback treatment on gait in children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effectiveness of biofeedback treatment on gait function in children with cerebral palsy. METHOD: Thirty-six children with spastic cerebral palsy and dynamic equinus deformity were included in the study. The biofeedback group consisted of 21 children who each received EMG biofeedback training plus conventional exercise programme. The control group consisted of 15 children who each received conventional exercise programme only. Active range of motion of the ankle joints, muscle tone of plantar flexors, and gait function of the children were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The biofeedback group displayed statistically significant improvements regarding tonus of plantar flexor muscles and active ROM of ankle joints (p < 0.000 for all parameters). Gait function showed statistically significant progress in both of the groups, but the biofeedback group was superior to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Children with cerebral palsy and dynamic equinus deformities may benefit from biofeedback treatment for ambulation.     

The effect of hinged ankle-foot orthosis on gait and energy expenditure in spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Purpose. To assess the effectiveness of a hinged ankle-foot orthoses on gait impairments and energy expenditure in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) whom orthoses were indicated to control equines.

Method. Eleven children (seven males, four females) who had a diagnosis of hemiplegic cerebral palsy were included in the study. Each child underwent gait analysis and energy consumption studies with and without ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). The AFOs were all custom-made for the individual child and had plantarflexion stop at 0° with no dorsoflexion stop. The Vicon 512 Motion analysis system was used for gait analysis. Walking energy expenditure measurements were done with breath by breath method using an open-circuit indirect calorimeter (Vmax 29c, Sensormedics, USA). All tests were carried out on the same day with enough resting period.

Results. AFO application, as compared with the barefoot condition improved walking speed, stride length and single support time. Double support time was decreased significantly with AFOs and no change in cadance. Ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact, midstance and midswing showed significiant increase. Knee flexion at initial contact was decreased and no significant change in maximum knee extension at stance and maximum knee flexion at swing was obtained. The oxygen consumption was significantly reduced during AFO walking.

Conclusion. The hinged AFO is useful in controlling dynamic equinus deformity and reducing the energy expenditure of gait in children with hemiplegic spastic cerebral palsy.     

Effects of biofeedback treatment on gait in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose:?We evaluated the effectiveness of biofeedback treatment on gait function in children with cerebral palsy.

Method:?Thirty-six children with spastic cerebral palsy and dynamic equinus deformity were included in the study. The biofeedback group consisted of 21 children who each received EMG biofeedback training plus conventional exercise programme. The control group consisted of 15 children who each received conventional exercise programme only. Active range of motion of the ankle joints, muscle tone of plantar flexors, and gait function of the children were evaluated and compared.

Results:?The biofeedback group displayed statistically significant improvements regarding tonus of plantar flexor muscles and active ROM of ankle joints (p?<?0.000 for all parameters). Gait function showed statistically significant progress in both of the groups, but the biofeedback group was superior to controls.

Conclusions:?Children with cerebral palsy and dynamic equinus deformities may benefit from biofeedback treatment for ambulation.