Article

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate to what extent
ankle-foot orthoses improve posture and gait control in patients with
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and to identify the most appropriate characteristics
of ankle-foot orthoses for patients regarding their clinical characteristics.
DESIGN: : Twenty-six Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients were recruited. Clinical data
(such as levels of sensory and muscular deficits) and posture and gait capacities
were collected in three randomized experimental conditions (wearing ordinary
shoes or with plastic and elastic orthoses). Several subgroups of patients,
constituted using predictive value analysis, were associated using the
probabilities of enhancing posture and gait control while wearing the various
models of orthoses. RESULTS: : Compared with ordinary shoes alone, adding plastic
ankle-foot orthoses partially improved both gait and posture control, whereas
wearing elastic orthoses only partially affected the more dynamic gait control.
Furthermore, the choice between the two models can be clarified by taking into
account distal lower limb muscle capacity. CONCLUSIONS: : Ankle-foot orthosis
prescription appears relevant for improving balance and gait performance in
Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients, particularly when the model adequately compensates
for specific muscle deficits. This study also provides objective arguments for
making adequate bracing.

Langue : ANGLAIS