Page 35 - Maximizing the efficacy of ankle foot orthoses in children with cerebral palsy

Participants
Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Our aim is to include 32 children with spastic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System[42] (GMFCS) levels I, II and III, provided that the child is able to perform a 3D-gait analysis without walking aids) who are candidates for a (new) FRO. Children will be re- cruited from the outpatient clinic of the VU University medical center, Amsterdam and affiliated rehabilitation centres.
Table 2.1. Inclusion and exclusion criteria. inclusion criteria
Spastic CP;
6-14 years;
A gait pattern characterised by excessive knee flexion (jump gait, apparent equinus or crouch gait)[56];
GMFCS I, II, or III (provided that the patient is able to walk independently for at least 15 meters)
exclusion criteria
Any orthopaedic surgery or other surgical interventions that might influence mobility in the past 6 months;
Botulinum toxin A injections in the past 3 months, Intrathecal Baclofen therapy in the past 6 months, or SDR in the past year;
Impairments that could contraindicate fitness testing;
Plantar flexion contractures or knee contractures >10° or hip endorotation >20° in midstance;
Other medical conditions influencing mobility;
Severe behavioural problems.
Abbreviations: GMFCS, Gross Motor Function Classification System[42]; SDR, Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy.
II
The AFO-CP protocol
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