EVALUATING THE CHANGES IN THE SPATIOTEMPORAL PARAMETERS OF GAIT WITH TONE INHIBITING ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS IN CEREBRAL PALSY

Background: Tone inhibiting AFO can be there by an effective, non-invasive method of controlling deformity and reducing hypertonus of contracture musculature. This study explores the hypothesis that by reducing the instinct deforming reflexes, deformity can be corrected as well gait can be improved. Methods: Prospective study conducted on all patients with cerebral palsy admitted to the dept. of PMR, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, who fulfill eligibility criteria and have given written informed consent, was included and evaluated. Results: In our study phase duration increased in every phase of TUG test. During sit to stand mean change in phase duration was 0.245 + 1.012 (p=0.505), during mid turn mean change in phase duration was 0.583 + 2.998(p=.279), during end turning mean change was 0.04 + 2.24 (p=0.925) and during stand to sit phase mean change was 0.103 + 0.862 (p=0.505). Conclusion: Our study showed improvement in distance covered by patients with TIAFO which is statistically non significant through Six Minute Walk Test which exhibits the improvement in energy efficient walking. Keywords: Cerebral palsy, TUG test, Six Minute Walk Test.