Article

Ankle-foot orthoses may significantly improve lower limb kinematics
in the gait of children with cerebral palsy. Here we aimed to analyze the effect
of ankle-foot orthoses on trunk postural control and lower limb intersegmental
coordination in children with mild spastic diplegia (GMFCS I or II). METHODS: We
recorded tridimensional trunk kinematics and thigh, shank, and foot elevation
angles in 20 4-12 year-old children born preterm with spastic diplegia and 20
typically developing children while walking either barefoot or with ankle-foot
orthoses. RESULTS: We found significantly greater trunk excursions in children
with cerebral palsy compared to typically developing children in both conditions.
When wearing ankle-foot orthoses cerebral palsy children showed increased trunk
frontal angular velocity. No significant changes in trunk displacement and
angular velocity were recorded in the sagittal plane in either group. Typically
developing children wearing orthoses showed increased trunk frontal displacement.
Wearing orthoses induced significant changes in shank and foot elevation in both
groups. CONCLUSION: Ankle-foot orthoses affect postural control and
intersegmental coordination in children with cerebral palsy. This should be taken
into account when planning therapeutic management.

Langue : ANGLAIS