AFO

Ankle-foot orthotics

Adapted bike program gets disabled kids on the move

As Calgarians young and old get out to take advantage of the early summer-like weather, some youngsters face significant obstacles to the simple pleasure of riding a bike. Jeremiah Botbijl, 6, rides a customized bicycle while being … READ MORE

Early focus on gross motor skills may benefit children with autism

Study finds link to social milestones. In children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), lower fine and gross motor skills are associated with higher disease severity scores, according to new research that supports the concept of … READ MORE

AFO users must rethink concept of ‘normal’ gait

Ankle foot orthoses can make a neuromuscular patient’s gait pattern more like that of an unaffected person, but the devices can also be associated with compensations of their own. And in some patients, a more ‘normal’ gait … READ MORE

Hemiplegic CP: Effects in the uninvolved limb

In patients with spastic hemiplegic CP, practitioners and researchers tend to focus primarily on the hemiplegic limb. But hemiplegia also leads to impairments in the uninvolved limb, which are important to consider when designing a … READ MORE

Children with medical complexity in Canada

The burden of chronic disease is placing pressure on the Canadian health care system. A small but important chronic disease population is children with medical complexity, defined as individuals with: high family-identified needs; … READ MORE

Adaptive bikes offer new freedom to kids with special needs

Over 100 children with various special needs were fitted with customized bikes in Spruce Grove on Sunday. Similarly, support for The CP Kids Adapted Bike Program in Calgary is huge. See you in Calgary on April 2, 2016. Details and … READ MORE

Vibration therapy improves mobility and strength in young people with cerebral palsy

Young adults with cerebral palsy enjoy stronger bones and greater mobility after training on a specialised vibration plate. Mobility-enhancing care in CP helps strengthen bones. Kids at the Atlanta center work on improving motor … READ MORE

Michael Sametz, Para-cyclist on the road to Rio

Michael is overjoyed to represent Canada at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – fulfilling a dream that began at age 12. Michael grew up in Calgary, participating in and watching many sports while dreaming about competing in … READ MORE

Transforming orthotics with 3D printing

Orthoses, often referred to as orthotics, are traditionally passive devices worn by people to support an injured or weak body part. The ambitious, yet simple vision of this advancement in AFOs is about the look on a patient’s … READ MORE

Stroke rehabilitation program for adults and seniors: AFOs

Support and stability for people with drop foot due to stroke. Braceworks welcomes referrals for ankle-foot orthoses, AFOs. The Stroke Rehabilitation Program offers support for inpatients and outpatients in a number of Calgary … READ MORE

Improving foot posture, balance in CMT may aid ankle stability

Early care advised for FAI prevention. “…ankle sprains in children with CMT are not prevented adequately as the neurological condition is not often diagnosed in childhood, unless present in another family member. He noted that … READ MORE

Ankle-foot orthoses improve CP gait

Strategies alter ankle, knee kinematics. Floor-reaction ankle foot orthoses and wedge-based tuning significantly improve ankle and knee kinematics in children with cerebral palsy, according to separate studies from Greenvile, SC, and … READ MORE

Rockers and rollovers: Implications for AFOs

Practitioners and researchers are redefining rocking and rolling as key components of gait, and designing ankle foot orthoses and other orthotic and prosthetic devices to specifically address impairments in the way certain patients … READ MORE

Biomechanics of propulsion: Implications for AFOs

For many patients, the ability of an ankle foot orthosis to enhance propulsion is key to improving gait efficiency and reducing fatigue. But experts are only beginning to understand the biomechanical complexities that influence … READ MORE

Charcot-Marie-Tooth: AFO mechanics and gait patterns

Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease showing the greatest increase in speed appear to respond to and utilize the energy storing and releasing properties of a carbon fiber composite ankle foot orthosis differently from those who … READ MORE

Foot instability in Down syndrome linked to hallux valgus, narrow shoes

Regular foot checks may curb problems. A recent study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that hallux valgus and too-narrow footwear contribute to foot-specific disability in children with Down syndrome. … READ MORE

Going the distance – all 26.2 miles – with MS

Cheryl Hile started running marathons before she was diagnosed with MS, and her goals have only gotten bigger since. Cheryl Hile’s new goal is to become the first person with MS to run seven marathons on seven continents in 12 … READ MORE

Equinus: Its surprising role in foot pathologies

Treatment for equinus should be aimed at increasing ankle joint dorsiflexion to facilitate normal gait mechanics. In most cases, non-spastic forms of equinus tend to be more treatable and easily corrected than the spastic … READ MORE

Patient specific ankle-foot orthoses using rapid prototyping

3D printed ankle-foot orthotics for functionality and comfort. plus medica OT Prefabricated orthotic devices are currently designed to fit a range of patients and therefore they do not provide individualized comfort and function. … READ MORE

Double bonus – AFOs improve dual-task gait in two ways

Ankle foot orthoses intervene at the level of the body and at the level of activity. But they might also have effects at the level of participation. – Nikta Pirouz CPO By Jordana Bieze Foster, Lower Extremity Review March 2015 … READ MORE

Orthotic devices boost balance over time in children with CP

Balance improves over time in children with cerebral palsy, CP, who switch from a dorsiflexion-free orthotic device to a more restrictive one, according to research from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in … READ MORE

SmartKnit Seamless Socks

No rubbing on toes with SmartKnit XStatic-Toe. Accessorize your SMOs, AFOs, KAFOs with SmarKnit Seamless Socks SmartKnit socks are made especially for kids and adults wearing AFOs. Feet and legs stay comfortably cool with wicking … READ MORE

Growing pains – adapting orthotic devices to maturing patients

Accommodating growth without compromising fit and function is a challenge for practitioners who prescribe orthotic devices for young patients. Adjustments and add-ons—as well as educating parents about expected changes—can make … READ MORE

Toe walking treatment and management

The management of toe walking is controversial — the natural history is poorly defined, and only limited data are available regarding direct comparisons of different treatment modalities. Therefore, the physician’s first decision … READ MORE

Orthotic options for knee OA focus on compliance issues

New research presented in June at the 2015 ISPO Congress underscored the potential long-term benefits of valgus knee bracing for relief of medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms when patient compliance is high, while other ISPO … READ MORE

Custom hinged AFO vs. standard ankle foot orthosis in stroke recovery

Functional Bracing with Adjustable Dynamic Response. Address the entire gait cycle providing unrestricted motion, customized stability, and smooth rollover. Ultraflex Hemiparesis is one of the most common impairments after stroke that … READ MORE

Controlling drop foot: beyond standard AFOs

The basic goal of orthotic management is to improve toe clearance during swing and provide stability during stance, but new technologies—from energy-storing composites to functional electrical stimulation—do much more. By Jeremy … READ MORE

Adjustable Dynamic Response AFOs

Adjustable dynamic response (ADR) AFOs addressed common gait abnormalities in an adolescent with diplegic cerebral palsy, according to a presenter at the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Annual Meeting and Scientific … READ MORE

Diane Covington: AFOs positively impact every aspect of her dynamic life

It’s a happy coincidence that Diane Covington lives just a few miles from a New Balance store, for two reasons. The brand’s sporty and comfortable styles are perfectly suited for Covington’s life on the go. And they come in … READ MORE

Brennan Ryan: With AFOs and cool sneakers, this 10-year-old can be a regular kid

If you ask Brennan Ryan what his favorite after-school activities are, he’ll tell you, “Basketball, baseball, flag football, and Cub scouts.” Ask him what his favorite part of school is and he’ll answer, “Recess.” This … READ MORE

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