title: Comparison of articulated and rigid ankle-foot orthoses in children with cerebral palsy:  a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this review was to compare the effects of rigid and articulated ankle-foot orthoses on gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review was carried out in 4 databases. The papers identified were evaluated on the basis of the following inclusion criteria: (1) design--controlled clinical trial; (2) population--children and adolescents with CP; (3) intervention--rigid or articulated ankle-foot orthoses; and (4) outcome--improved motor function and gait performance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven controlled studies comparing the effects of different ankle-foot orthoses were found. Studies achieved PEDro scores of 3 and 4 for methodological quality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is evidence supporting the use of an articulated ankle-foot orthosis by children with CP, because of the improved function this type of orthosis provides. However, other studies point out the advantages of a rigid orthosis for children with greater impairment related to spasticity and contractures.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Sciences Department, Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, Brazil. hugopneto@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Hugo Pasini
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Neto
authors.forename: Luanda André
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Collange Grecco
authors.forename: Manuella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galli
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Santos Oliveira
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000842:Ankle / Q000502:physiology*; D000843:Ankle Joint; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology*; D061826:Foot Orthoses; D005684:Gait; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics