Article

This phase 1 exploratory study aimed to establish proof of concept of the effects
of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses (DEFOs) on the gait of children with
spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Replicated single case experiments employing an
ABA methodology were carried out on eight subjects
(median age 5.5 years, range
3-13 years; 4 girls/boys) utilizing quantitative/qualitative data collection.
Outcome measures were:
Ten metre walking test (10MWT); physiological cost index
(PCI); visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring of perceived gait changes; functional
mobility changes using Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS); subject/carer
perceptions recorded in daily diaries. Results identified following analysis of
quantitative data indicated a treatment effect from the orthoses which could be
corroborated by participant subjective impressions and comments. Statistically
significant (p < 0.05) intervention-related improvements in gait velocity and
gait consistency were identified respectively in 5/8 and 4/8 subjects. Power
calculations support the feasibility of a larger controlled study to further
investigate this orthotic intervention. This study indicates that DEFO leggings
can confer beneficial effects on the gait of some children with spastic diplegia
resulting from CP. These findings have implications for orthotic intervention
with this subject group.

Langue : ANGLAIS