THE IMPACT OF ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSES ON BALANCE IN OLDER ADULTS: A SCOPING REVIEW

BACKGROUND: Balance impairment is a contributing factor to falls. Falls are leading cause of injury and death in older adults. An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) device that can be prescribed as an intervention help individuals with compromised balance ambulate safely.
 OBJECTIVE: The purpose this review was investigate the role orthoses have affecting community-dwelling adults.
 METHODOLOGY: A scoping conducted searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, REHABDATA databases obtain appropriate literature meet following criteria: 1) quantitative research design; 2) studies participants over age 65; 3) drop-foot or sensory deficits lower extremity; 4) treatment unilateral bilateral AFOs; 5) outcome measure stability. retrieved articles were assessed based on internal validity, external objectivity, reliability study design interpretation results. 
 FINDINGS: 11 identified met inclusion criteria. Four major themes emerged analysis about impact adults: (1) AFOs improved lateral stability, (2) under static conditions, (3) provided reduction postural sway (4) increased walking speed CONCLUSIONS: evidence from findings indicate generally positive affect Clinicians consider effective improve some adult patient populations.
 Layman's Abstract
 serious adults 65. Poor lead number falls population. use brace, called orthosis, community living augment their balance. Ankle-foot stability positioning ankle joint foot aid during standing, however also been found restrict natural movements interrupt feedback leg foot. article how impacted by wearing orthoses. Through conducting database search topic, four trends for wearers. Based review, standing balance, decrease bodily sway, increase These suggest largely considered certain Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/35132/27291
 How To Cite: Laidler J.L. review. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2021;Volume 4, Issue 1, No.1. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v4i1.35132
 Corresponding Author: Jenna LaidlerAging Health Program, School Rehabilitation Therapy,Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada.E-mail: [email protected]