The Effectiveness of different Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)

STUDY BASICS

Are you using an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)? You may be eligible for a research study to compare the effects of long-term use of different Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs); that is how your activity and the way you use your orthosis change when wearing a different AFO than the one you have right now. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is a custom-made medical device that extends from below the knee to the foot and helps stabilize the ankle and foot. They are used by people who have joint instability or fractures. The goal of this research is to find out whether there are any differences in outcomes between AFO joints. It is commonly assumed that those differences are negligible, but with technological advances, it is important to test this assumption.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• 18+ years old,
• have been prescribed/have been using an AFO.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

In this study, we will fabricate two AFOs for you that we ask you to wear for four weeks, each (i.e., a total of eight weeks). We will assess your activity level (step count), gait speed, and quality of life associated with each of the AFOs.