The Effect of Hinged Ankle-Foot Orthosis on Walking Function in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of hinged ankle-foot orthosis (HAFO) on walking function in childrenwith spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Thirty-two children (mean age: 6.79±0.35 years, age range: 5-7 years) who were diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsyparticipated in the study. Each subject typically walked through 10 meters of a gait platform with markers on the subject's proper body segmentsand underwent 3-D motion analysis system with and without hinged ankle-foot orthosis. The HAFOs were all custom-made for individualCP children and had plantarflexion stop at 0° with no dorsiflexion stop. The interventions were conducted over three trials in eachgroup, and measurements were performed on each subject by one examiner in three trials. 3-D motion analysis system was used to measuregait parameters such as walking velocity, cadence, step-length, step-width, stride-length, and double support period in two conditions. Results: The walking velocity, cadence, step-length, and stride-length were significantly greater for the HAFO condition as compared tothe no HAFO condition (p<0.05). However, no significant difference in step-width and double support period was observed between twoconditions. Conclusion: These findings suggest that using the HAFO during walking would suggest positive evidence for improving the spatiotemporalparameters of gait in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.