Kinematic compensations as children reciprocally ascend and descend stairs with unilateral and bilateral solid AFOs.
The aim of this study was to identify the compensations made when a child with normal motor control ascends and descends stairs while wearing a solid AFO. Ten healthy children were asked to ascend and descend stairs with shoes, right and bilateral AFOs. Repeated measures ANOVA identified differences in selected kinematic parameters. Peak-to-peak excursion of pelvic rotation, pelvic obliquity, and hip ab/adduction increased with AFO use (P<0.05). Mean anterior pelvic tilt increased with AFO use (P<0.05). Compensations at the trunk and the pelvis facilitated limb advancement and clearance. This information may be helpful in developing strategies for training patients with motor planning difficulties.
Nahorniak
M T
MT
Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104, USA.
Gorton GE3rd
Gannotti
M E
ME
Masso
P D
PD
D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000502:physiology*