Clinical Research Directory

Subjects will be initially fit with the AFO category they do not use on a daily basis to ensure they have both AFO categories for the study. These "advanced" AFOs have been developed to offer energy-storing-and-returning (ESR) properties to the user. Advanced Ankle Foot Orthoses include designs that are widely believed to return stored energy in late stance. These designs are laminated and may include posterior struts.

Subjects will be initially fit with the AFO category they do not use on a daily basis to ensure they have both AFO categories for the study. Conventional Ankle Foot Orthoses have been more commonly used in past decades. AFOs within the conventional category generally include designs that will not return stored energy in late stance. These designs may vary in material construction and componentry. For instance, mechanical joints can be incorporated but do not have to be for inclusion in this group. AFOs in this category may be thermoplastic materials or thermoset laminate. The devices may be off-the-shelf or custom molded to the patient.