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Quantitative evaluation of AFO use with myelomeningocele children
S E Thomas1, J M Mazur, M E Child
1Motion Analysis Laboratory, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield.
Insights
Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) show positive results for children with myelomeningocele, improving gait and reducing energy expenditure for better ambulation. This suggests AFOs are beneficial for mobility in these children.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Myelomeningocele often impairs ambulation, leading to gait abnormalities and increased energy expenditure.
- Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly used to support lower limb function in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of AFOs in improving gait parameters and reducing energy expenditure in children with myelomeningocele.
Main Methods:
- The study assessed key gait parameters and muscle activation patterns in myelomeningocele patients using AFOs.
- Quantitative measures were employed to objectively evaluate the impact of AFOs on ambulation.
Main Results:
- AFOs demonstrated positive effects, including improved gait parameters and reduced excessive hip, knee, and ankle flexion.
- A decrease in muscle activation time and co-contraction was observed, indicating reduced energy expenditure during ambulation.
Conclusions:
- AFOs significantly benefit children with myelomeningocele by enhancing ambulation and reducing energy demands.
- Objective data from quantitative measures support the use of AFOs and can inform future design and application.
Abstract:
Although the sample size is small, results are very positive for the use of AFO's with the myelomeningocele child. The increase in pertinent gait parameters in conjunction with a decrease in excess hip, knee, and ankle flexion demonstrate the benefits gained in using AFO's to assist the myelomeningocele child in ambulation. Further, the decrease in excess muscle activation time and co-contraction facilitate a decrease in energy expenditure, thus allowing for more ambulation the limited results from this study provide a basis from which further research may be gleaned. The use of quantitative measures in evaluating the benefits of AFO's provides objective data from which future design and application recommendations may be made.