Kinematic compensations as children reciprocally ascend and descend stairs with unilateral and bilateral solid AFOs

Gait Posture. 1999 Jul;9(3):199-206. doi: 10.1016/s0966-6362(99)00014-4.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Joint / physiology*
  • Gait / physiology*
  • Hip Joint / physiology
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / physiology
  • Orthotic Devices*
  • Tarsal Joints / physiology*