The Effect of Modified Floor Reaction Ankle Foot Orthosis on Walking Abilities in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Study

Objective This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified Floor Reaction Ankle Foot Orthosis (FRAFO) design on gait performance in boy with cerebral palsy. Materials & Methods In this study, one boy with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) wore a modified FRAFO bilaterally for six weeks. Immediate effectiveness of the orthosis was evaluated after six weeks. The measured parameters including walking speed, cadence and stride length, plus hip, knee and ankle joints range of motion were recorded. Results Cadence, stride length and walking speed were all increased when the boy with CP wore the modified FRAFO. The boy demonstrated a reduction in ankle ROM when using the modified FRAFO. The mean knee joint ROM was increased from 36.8 +/- 13.72 degrees when walking with an orthosis at baseline to 43.0 +/- 1.10 degrees when walking with an orthosis after six weeks. After 6 weeks of using modified FRAFO, hip flexion angle at initial contact and an extension shift during stance phase decreased. Conclusion: A modified FRAFO can improve gait parameters in children with cerebral palsy.