Prosthetics and Orthotics International最新文献

{"title":"Mechanical testing methods for determining stiffness of ankle-foot orthoses: A scoping review.","authors":"Joyce Z Wang, Elizabeth A Wojciechowski, Benjamin Shuman, Joshua Burns, Tegan L Cheng","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000478","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000478","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stiffness of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) has been assessed using many methods; however, results are unstandardized due to varied testing conditions such as range of motion and speed. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to provide a state-of-the-space review of the studies that investigate AFO ankle stiffness in the sagittal plane and then provide insight into the details of the developed devices and protocols. Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, and IEEE Xplore) were searched for studies from when indexing began to April 2024. Articles of any design that developed or used testing devices and/or protocols to assess AFO ankle stiffness in the sagittal plane were eligible. Seventy-two articles were included in this review, of which 51 developed mechanical testing devices/protocols to quantify AFO stiffness while 21 articles referenced existing methods. The most common apparatuses used in the primary studies were the universal testing machine and customized manual machines. Other methods included specialty automated devices, manual devices in a gait analysis laboratory, hanging weights, universal testing machine combined with motion capture, muscle training machine, and 6-axis robot arm. Ankle angle of the AFO was the most common controlled variable, followed by loading force. This scoping review comprehensively outlines the variety of devices and protocols used to assess AFO ankle stiffness in the sagittal plane. Many researchers chose methods that leveraged their available resources, demonstrating a variety of approaches. For future studies, we recommend that parameters chosen are justified, reliability studies are undertaken, and AFO design is adequately reported.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"600-619"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645409/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144856899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychometric properties of the Khmer version of the locomotor capabilities index (LCI-5) for lower-limb prosthesis and orthosis users.","authors":"Nerrolyn Ramstrand, Alan Maddock, Thearith Heang, Nil Ean, Sisary Kheng","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000504","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000504","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The unavailability of validated outcome measures in local languages limits the extent to which the impact of prosthetic and orthotic devices can be assessed.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examined the psychometric properties of the Khmer locomotor capabilities index (LCI-5) for use with lower-limb prosthesis users. An additional aim was to explore its psychometric properties when used on lower-limb orthosis users.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>A cross-sectional design was used.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Khmer version of the LCI-5 was administered to clients attending 3 prosthetic and orthotic clinics in urban and rural Cambodia. Internal consistency and floor and ceiling effects were evaluated. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were performed on independent samples of prosthesis user data. A separate CFA was conducted on a data from orthosis users.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four hundred thirty-seven clients completed the LCI-5. The data had high internal consistency; however, a significant ceiling effect was observed. For prosthesis users, the optimal solution arising from exploratory Factor Analysis and CFA was a 2-factor model. A modified 2-factor model produced an acceptable fit for orthosis users.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results present a 2-factor structure of the Khmer LCI-5, which can be used to assess mobility in prosthesis and orthosis users. It is important to note that the factor structure of the Khmer version is not consistent with the English version. Additional work is required to address ceiling effects associated with the Khmer LCI-5.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"550-559"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645411/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145349589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gender differences in physical and psychological outcomes after lower limb amputation in Iran: A comparative and mediation analysis study.","authors":"Fateme Eskandarighargheh, Taher Babaee, Masoomeh Nakhaee, Sheila Clemens, Szu-Ping Lee","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000559","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PXR.0000000000000559","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>This study investigates gender differences in mobility, quality of life (QoL), and self-esteem among individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation in Iran, with a focus on mediating roles of education, self-esteem, and time since amputation.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 100 participants (52 women, 48 men) completed validated measures assessing locomotor function locomotion capability index, QoL (12-item short form survey), and self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale).</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The sample consisted of 100 individuals (52 women, 48 men) with 44 ± 16 mean age for women and 45 ± 15 years for men. Mean years of education was 9.36 years an average duration of 13.32 years since amputation. Regarding the level of amputation, most participants had below-knee amputations (61%), followed by above-knee (21%), knee (11%), ankle (5%), and hip (2%) amputations. The primary causes of amputation were trauma (57%). Although no significant gender differences were found in mobility or overall QoL, women reported significantly lower self-esteem than men. Higher education levels were linked to enhanced self-esteem and better QoL. Mediation analyses revealed that gender influenced QoL indirectly through self-esteem, education, and time since amputation. Specifically, self-esteem was a key mediator linking gender to mental health outcomes, with women's lower self-esteem associated with reduced QoL.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that cultural and societal factors in Iran may disparately affect women's psychological adjustment to amputation. The study highlights the importance of gender-sensitive rehabilitation strategies that address self-esteem and other aspects of psychosocial well-being for women with amputation in Iran.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148800817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Methods for measuring the sagittal resistive torque of ankle-foot orthoses during gait: A systematic review.","authors":"Ole Strenge, David Hochmann","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000565","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PXR.0000000000000565","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The measurement of resistive torque exerted by passive ankle-foot orthoses during walking plays a critical role in understanding their biomechanical effects and in optimizing their functionality. This systematic review investigates existing measurement methods to evaluate how orthotic torque is quantified during gait, offering insights into currently used methods and technologies. Because many methods are closely linked to the use of test benches, these methods are also discussed but are not the scope of this work. A comprehensive systematic search was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, encompassing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore, and AI-assisted literature search tools. The selected keywords focus on passive ankle-foot orthoses, in-gait measurement, and torque-related outcomes. From an initial pool of 2237 articles, a systematic exclusion refined the selection to 30 relevant studies. These were categorized into 3 groups: indirect measurement methods using gait analysis, indirect measurement methods using instrumented orthoses, and direct measurement methods. The results highlight a lack of standardized methods for quantifying orthotic torque and for quantifying the properties of ankle-foot orthoses themselves. Many studies fail to detail their measurement techniques thoroughly. Although indirect methods dominate, they may lack measurement accuracy. Direct measurement methods appear to be more accurate but exhibit individual limitations. This review emphasizes the necessity for reliable measurement techniques to advance clinical practices and research. Addressing these gaps has the potential to enhance the design, functionality, and prescription of ankle-foot orthoses for improved patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148800775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Individuals with a trans-tibial amputation present trunk and lower limbs biomechanical asymmetry during sit-to-stand transitions.","authors":"Alexandre Thibault-Piedboeuf, Simon Laurendeau, Ludovic Miramand, Gabriel Moisan, Katia Turcot","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000563","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000563","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Individuals with a transtibial amputation (iTTA) are usually fitted with a prosthetic leg. However, it does not prevent functional limitations or compensatory strategies during daily activities, such as sit-to-stand transition (STS). Compensatory strategies may be linked to higher risk of secondary joint conditions.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess compensatory strategies using kinetic asymmetry and trunk kinematics among iTTA compared with healthy counterparts during STS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Nine iTTA and 9 healthy subjects performed 5 STS. Kinematic and kinetic data were recorded using a motion capture system, an instrumented chair, and floor-embedded force platforms. Total support moment (TSM), joint contribution to the TSM, vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF), and trunk kinematics were assessed. The TSM was calculated during each STS phase (leaning, momentum, and extension). One-way ANOVA and Games-Howell post-hoc test were used to compare limb contribution. Between-limb symmetry index (SI), for TSM joint contribution and vGRF, and trunk kinematics were compared between groups using an independent Student t-test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the STS, higher TSM was found in the intact lower limb of iTTA compared with their amputated limb and healthy subjects' dominant limb. Compared with healthy subjects, showing symmetrical TSM joint contribution, iTTA demonstrated higher asymmetries at each lower limb joint, along with higher vGRF asymmetry and trunk range of motion. Momentum and extension phases generated significant asymmetries at the knee between limbs of iTTA (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Results support that iTTA rise from a chair with high joint asymmetry that might lead to disproportionate worn out of joints and secondary issues.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148725147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does lower limb amputation affect lateralization and motor imagery ability in prosthesis users and nonusers? A cross-sectional, assessor-blinded study.","authors":"Şüheda Özkan, Sultan Yekelenga Özen","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000575","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000575","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Amputation leads not only to limb loss but also to alterations in body representation, motor planning, and sensorimotor integration. Prosthesis use may help preserve these representations; however, its influence on cognitive motor processes such as laterality judgment and motor imagery remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to examine the effects of lower limb amputation (LLA) and prosthesis use on laterality judgment performance and motor imagery ability compared with able-bodied individuals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Three groups participated: prosthesis users (PU) and nonprosthesis users (N-PU) with acquired unilateral LLA at or above the below-knee level, and normally limbed controls. Participants completed a laterality judgment task (reaction time and accuracy), the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire-2 (VMIQ-2), and the imagined Timed Up and Go (iTUG) test. Repeated measures ANOVAs, one-way ANOVAs, and independent samples t-test were conducted to analyze group differences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the laterality task, N-PU participants demonstrated significantly longer reaction times than controls in the abstract condition for both the nonamputated (p = 0.001) and amputated sides (p = 0.004), along with lower overall accuracy (p = 0.035), whereas PU participants performed comparably with controls (p > 0.05). In the VMIQ-2, both amputee groups showed significantly reduced imagery vividness across all subscales compared with controls (p < 0.05); however, PU participants exhibited significantly greater kinesthetic imagery vividness than N-PU participants (p = 0.001). No significant difference was found between PU and controls in iTUG performance (p = 0.051).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Prosthesis use appears to support the preservation of motor imagery ability and spatial representation in individuals with LLA. These findings emphasize the potential cognitive-motor benefits of prosthetic integration and support the inclusion of imagery-based assessments in rehabilitation programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148722992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biomechanical assessment of persons with bilateral transfemoral/through-knee amputations using stubby prostheses: A pilot study.","authors":"Diana Toderita, David P Henson, Clement D Favier, Vasiliki Vardakastani, Kate Sherman, Biranavan Sivapuratharasu, Alison H McGregor, Anthony M J Bull","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000562","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000562","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stubby prostheses are nonarticulated prostheses used by persons with bilateral transfemoral/through-knee amputations (BTF) either exclusively or alongside full-length articulated prostheses. The implications of stubby prosthesis use on musculoskeletal function and movement patterns are unclear. This study aims to provide insights into the biomechanics of walking with stubbies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Gait data were collected using a 10-camera motion capture system from 4 male traumatic BTF who exclusively use stubbies and 4 male traumatic BTF who use multiple prostheses, including stubbies and full-length articulated prostheses. Both cohorts completed level-ground walking trials wearing stubby prostheses. Muscle parameters were quantified through high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with BTF who use multiple prostheses, stubbies-only users showed lower walking speeds by 15% (0.79 vs 0.93 m/s), lower cadence by 20% (91.2 vs 114.7 steps/min), lower peak hip flexion angles by 45% (19.7° vs 35.9°), and larger peak-to-peak anterior pelvic tilt by 103% (15.8° vs 7.8°). Stubbies-only users presented lower overall muscle volume and physiological cross-sectional area.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this small cohort, full-time stubby users presented signs of muscle weakness that were not observed in those using full-length articulated prostheses. This may affect current and future functional abilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148722531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Kinetic asymmetry in unilateral transfemoral amputees: Gait biomechanics and reliability assessments.","authors":"Tsung-Yeh Chou, Kristin Reeves, Danielle Melton, David Doherty, Payam Zandiyeh","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000572","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000572","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation (TFA) commonly experience gait-related loading asymmetries, elevating their risks of lower limb injuries and degenerative changes. To evaluate the effects of interventions on these asymmetries, it is crucial to assess test-retest reliability and establish minimum detectable changes (MDCs) for loading-related measures. Determining them for these measures would help distinguish meaningful interventional effects from daily variability. This study evaluated test-retest reliability and established MDC values for ground reaction force (GRF) during treadmill walking in individuals with TFA and compared GRF outcomes between the amputated and intact limbs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ten participants underwent 2 study visits, 1 month apart. Ground reaction force data were collected during treadmill walking at a self-selected speed. Outcome measures included loading rates, unloading rates, braking impulses, and propulsive impulses, normalized by body weight. Intersession reliability and MDC values were computed with intraclass correlation analysis. Side-to-side differences were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVAs. Ground reaction force time series were compared using statistical parametric mapping (SPM-1d).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Braking and propulsion impulses demonstrated good-to-excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.82) in both limbs, whereas intact limb loading rates showed poor reliability. Higher loading rate but lower propulsion impulses were detected in the amputated limb, with differences in propulsion impulses exceeding MDC values. SPM-1d analyses detected side-to-side differences in GRF waveforms at the beginning and the end of the stance phase in superior-inferior and anterior-posterior directions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Impulse outcomes are reliable measures, promising for future investigation of treatment effectiveness in longitudinal gait studies in individuals with TFA.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148723853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Machine learning-based prediction model for initial correction effect of Cheneau brace in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.","authors":"Kai-Hua Li, Li-Ning Zhang, Hui-Ling Xiong, Bao-Sheng Chen, Li-Sha Yi","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000582","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PXR.0000000000000582","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Predicting the initial correction rate (ICR) of Cheneau brace treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is critical for personalized therapeutic planning but remains underexplored. This study aims to develop a clinical prediction model for ICR evaluation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis included 391 spinal curves from 310 patients with AIS (since some patients have double curves) from 4 orthotic centers. Key variables encompassed demographics, axial trunk rotation (ATR), Risser sign, curve type (C-shaped/S-shaped), apical location (thoracic/lumbar), and prebrace Cobb angle. ICR was calculated as [(prebrace Cobb - postbrace Cobb)/prebrace Cobb] × 100%, with satisfactory correction defined as ICR ≥50%. Logistic regression and random forest models were trained (70% data) and validated (30%). Feature importance was assessed through mean decrease accuracy (MDA) and Gini (MDG). A nomogram integrated significant predictors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Multivariate analysis identified Risser sign (OR = 0.033, P < 0.001), ATR (OR = 0.853, P < 0.001), curve type (OR = 0.485, P = 0.036), apical location (OR = 5.827, P < 0.001), and BMI (OR = 0.897, P = 0.041) as independent predictors. Random forest confirmed Risser sign as the most influential variable (MDA = 28.07%, MDG = 24.35%), followed by ATR (MDA = 21.99%, MDG = 19.50%). Both models demonstrated high predictive accuracy: logistic regression (AUC = 0.951, accuracy = 0.879) and random forest (AUC = 0.959, accuracy = 0.897). Lumbar curves and C-shaped curves exhibited superior correctability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Machine learning models effectively predict Cheneau brace ICR, with Risser sign and ATR angle as primary determinants. The developed nomogram provides a practical tool for pretreatment outcome anticipation, enhancing clinical decision-making in AIS management.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149065625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The perceptions and experiences of ankle-foot orthosis use among youth with cerebral palsy and their parents: A qualitative study with focus on activity and participation.","authors":"Jessica Stockman, Ann Alriksson-Schmidt, Eva Jason-Åndell, Ira Jeglinsky-Kankainen","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000566","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000566","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is the most common orthotic device for children with cerebral palsy (CP), improving stride length, walking speed, and stability. Although AFO use is highest in children ages 6-12 years, it often decreases with age, and little is known about how youth and parents perceive AFO use in daily life, particularly regarding activity and participation.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To explore the perceptions and experiences of AFO use in daily life among youth with CP and their parents, with a focus on activity and participation.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This qualitative study included 18 interviews with 9 AFO users with CP (8-15 years) and their parents. Data were analyzed using a descriptive phenomenological approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four closely related themes emerged. The first, \"AFO use evokes emotions and feelings,\" captured positive and negative emotional responses to wearing AFOs. The second, \"AFO use requires adaptation in everyday life,\" described practical adjustments needed to integrate AFOs into daily routines. The third, \"Experience creates awareness of autonomy and usefulness,\" reflected how youth and parents gradually develop focused knowledge of when and how AFOs support daily functioning. Finally, \"Participation in the AFO provision process\" highlighted the role of communication and collaboration between families and professionals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>AFO use in youth with CP involves complex emotional, practical, and participatory dimensions. Active inclusion of families through collaborative goal-setting from the outset of the orthotic process, and throughout follow-up, alongside consideration of emotional and social factors, can optimize orthotic outcomes and psychosocial well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148727681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}