title: Effects of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses on children with cerebral palsy.
abstract: 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.
authors: School of Allied Health Professions, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. m.matthews@dmorthotics.com
authors: Martin John
authors: MJ
authors: Matthews
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Watson
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Richardson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D020724:Elastomers; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011108:Polymers; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D020724:Elastomers; D011108:Polymers; C036925:elastomeric polymer