Author/Authors :
Giurizatto Melanda, Alessandro Centro Hospitalar de Reabilitação Ana Carolina Moura Xavier, Curitiba, PR, Brazil , Carolina Pauleto, Ana Centro Hospitalar de Reabilitação Ana Carolina Moura Xavier, Curitiba, PR, Brazil , Debona Iucksch, Dielise Centro Hospitalar de Reabilitação Ana Carolina Moura Xavier, Curitiba, PR, Brazil , Faucz Munhoz da Cunha, Rodrigo Centro Hospitalar de Reabilitação Ana Carolina Moura Xavier, Curitiba, PR, Brazil , Mahmoud Smaili, Suhaila Program of Masters and Doctoral degree in Rehabilitation Sciences - Londrina State University (UEL)
Abstract :
Objective: To investigate the impact of ankle-foot orthoses (AFO)
on subjects diagnosed with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP) using
the gait index and temporal data parameters. Methods: Twen-
ty-four subjects, 14 male and 10 female, with a mean age of 11
(5-17 years old), underwent a comprehensive gait analysis under
both barefoot (BF) and braced walking conditions. All children
had been wearing the orthoses for at least 2 months before the
gait analysis. Results: The overall values for the left and right
Gait Profile Scores (GPS) did not show statistically significant
variations when comparing the same individuals with and without
orthoses. Gait velocity increased by 19.5% (p < 0.001), while
the cadence decreased by 4% with use of orthosis, although
it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The stride and the
step lengths on both the right and left sides, however, resulted in
statistically significant increases, when wearing AFO. Conclusion:
AFO, prescribed for assistance by professionals without using gait
data, did not significantly affect the gait index (GPS), but improved
temporal data. The determination of quantitative clinical parameters
for the prescription of orthotics in patients with bilateral CP, as
well as orthotics that meet the specific requirements are points
to be addressed in the future to obtain more significant effects.
Level of evidence III, Case control study.
