Unmet NeedA child’s gait can be affected through many diseases. Millions of children are challenged by cerebral palsy with spasticity, cerebral palsy with a jump gait pattern, cerebral palsy with dystonic movements, and hemiplegia originating from different etiologies. All of these conditions lead to impairments that affect gait patterns. Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) are commonly used to stabilize the foot and ankle to provide toe clearance by compensating for weakness or correcting deformity. Although AFOs can improve gait patterns, the trend to provide light weight orthosis is not optimal for all patients. Studies have indicated that added weight to an extremity increases sensory and proprioceptive feedback. Inventors have found that added weight to a leg brace improves the gait pattern of some children. Thus there is a need for an AFO with added weight. This technology may also benefit adult patients suffering from a stroke and patients with posterior spinal column injury.
Technology Overview The Cabell-O Weighted Ankle Foot Orthosis is a custom orthotic with added weight. Unlike existing devices, this invention has weight integrated into the braces calf section for desired feedback to improve gait. The amount of weight is determined by the Practitioner’s Sizing Kit, allowing physical therapists and orthotists to evaluate a patients gait and personalize the amount of weight added. Because some children’s walking ability improves with a weighted brace, this technology addresses the current gap in orthotic options by offering a custom brace with more weight mass than current products available.
Stage of DevelopmentThe inventors have studied four pediatric patients, one with cerebral palsy and spasticity, one with cerebral palsy and a jump gait pattern, one with cerebral palsy and dystonic movements, and one with cerebral palsy and hemiplegia. From their study, they have found that weight can provide an extrinsic factor to promote feedback that improves gait. The results in the study demonstrated improved balance, heel strike, weight shift, and coordinated stepping pattern.
