Introduction

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) can play a crucial role in supporting the biomechanical and neurophysiological needs of children with cerebral palsy, helping to improve alignment and function at the ankle and foot. Advances in technology and fabrication methods have increased the range of AFOs available. However, there is little evidence to support one AFO design over another and each type has its own advantages and considerations.

In this course, orthotist and prosthetist, Donna Fisher, provides an overview of the design, fitting, and troubleshooting of custom-made rigid AFOs for ambulant children with cerebral palsy who are classified as Levels I-III on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). She also covers the importance of AFO tuning in influencing the ground reaction force and optimising overall gait performance.

Through case examples, you will better understand the orthotist's decision-making process when selecting and customising AFOs for children with cerebral palsy.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• discuss key principles that influence the design and fitting of custom ankle-foot orthoses for ambulant children with cerebral palsy, including types of material, forces, trimlines and pads
• identify key principles in the ankle-foot orthosis-footwear combination (AFO-FC) tuning process, including concepts such as the angle of the ankle in the ankle-foot orthosis, bench alignment and shank-to-vertical angle
• list at least three benefits of off-the-shelf ankle-foot orthoses for adolescents with cerebral palsy

Target audience

This course is aimed at rehabilitation professionals, students and assistants including but not limited to Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Doctors, Rehabilitation Nurses, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Psychologists, Audiologists, Dietetics, Social Workers. Community Health Workers, Nurses or Medical Doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 2-2.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.9 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Donna Fisher: No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.