Do static or dynamic AFOs improve balance?
OBJECTIVE
To verify if partial or total limitation of degrees of freedom at ankle joints could help patients with balance disorders in standing and walking.


METHODS
A cross-over design was chosen. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were tested in three experimental conditions: barefooted, wearing ankle foot orthoses (AFOs), and wearing AFOs that allowed plantar flexion.


METHODS
Neurorehabilitation unit in a rehabilitation centre.


METHODS
Fourteen patients suffering from MS with mild strength problems and balance disorders that required them to use walking aids outside.


METHODS
Tests inferring static and dynamic skills were carried out in the three experimental conditions described above.


RESULTS
Improvements were obtained in static balance tests especially wearing dynamic AFOs; the number of patients who were able to pass tasks on balance in upright position such as 'standing with feet together, head extended' increased from three to nine. Dynamic balance was impaired especially with static AFOs; the time spent walking 10 metres with these orthoses increased by 172% with respect to barefoot; less difference (113%) has been reported wearing dynamic AFOs.


CONCLUSIONS
Static and dynamic AFOs improved static balance, while dynamic balance was impaired especially by static AFOs; less negative influence on dynamic balance has been found while wearing dynamic AFOs.
Cattaneo
D
D
Don Gnocchi Foundation IRCCS, Onlus-Milano, V. Capecelatro 66-20148 Milano, Italy. cattaneo.davide@tin.it
Marazzini
F
F
Crippa
A
A
Cardini
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D007593:Joint Instability; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D004856:Postural Balance; D016896:Treatment Outcome