Comparing Digitally and Traditionally Made Ankle Foot Orthoses

This study is designed to compare two methods of creating ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), which are devices used to support the lower limbs in people with mobility impairments due to conditions like stroke or cerebral palsy. The traditional method involves manually creating a mold from a plaster cast of the patient's limb, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The new method uses digital technology, such as 3D scanning and printing, to design and produce the AFOs, potentially making the process faster and less costly.

The purpose of the study is to test whether AFOs made using digital technology can provide the same clinical benefits as those made traditionally, but with greater efficiency and at a lower cost. The research will gather data on patient satisfaction, the functionality of the AFOs, and the costs associated with each method. This will help determine if the digital method can be a viable alternative to traditional AFO production, potentially leading to better patient care and reduced healthcare costs.

The study poses the overarching research question: Can digitally produced ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) achieve similar positive clinical outcomes to traditionally fabricated AFOs while being more efficient and cost-effective? The primary objective of this feasibility study is to inform the design of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will comprehensively address this question.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants must be aged 8 years or older.
• Participants should have either flaccid or spastic paresis resulting from conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, or traumatic peripheral nerve injury, leading to lower limb mobility impairments.
• Participants must require a custom articulating, rigid, or energy storage and return (ESR) AFO to improve physical function for one or both sides (unilateral or bilateral).
• Participants must be able to ambulate independently, though the use of gait aids is permitted.
• Participants must be capable of completing questionnaires with no more than orienting guidance.
• Participants must meet the requirements to have their AFO funded by the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).

Exclusion criteria

• Clients for whom the primary goal of the AFO includes wound management.
• Those whose AFO is not worn for ambulation.
• Clients with insensate feet or a history of ulcerations.
• First-time AFO users.