Comparing Digitally and Traditionally Made Ankle Foot Orthoses

Details

This study is designed to compare two methods of creating ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), which are devices used to support the lower limbs in people with mobility impairments due to conditions like stroke or cerebral palsy. The traditional method involves manually creating a mold from a plaster cast of the patient's limb, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The new method uses digital technology, such as 3D scanning and printing, to design and produce the AFOs, potentially making the process faster and less costly. The purpose of the study is to test whether AFOs made using digital technology can provide the same clinical benefits as those made traditionally, but with greater efficiency and at a lower cost. The research will gather data on patient satisfaction, the functionality of the AFOs, and the costs associated with each method. This will help determine if the digital method can be a viable alternative to traditional AFO production, potentially leading to better patient care and reduced healthcare costs. The study poses the overarching research question: Can digitally produced ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) achieve similar positive clinical outcomes to traditionally fabricated AFOs while being more efficient and cost-effective? The primary objective of this feasibility study is to inform the design of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will comprehensively address this question.