Physical Therapists' Use of Evaluation Measures to Inform the Prescription of Ankle-Foot Orthoses for Children with Cerebral Palsy.
Phys Occup Ther Pediatr
; 39(3): 237-253, 2019.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29702012
ABSTRACT
Aims:
To examine how physical therapists (PTs) use evaluation measures to guide prescription and re-assessment of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) for children with CP.Methods:
PTs in Canada who work with children with CP were invited to complete an online survey. Survey questions examined PT evaluation and interpretation of findings at initial AFO prescription and re-assessment. Closed-ended responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and a conventional content analysis examined responses to open-ended questions.Results:
Sixty responses from ten provinces were analyzed. Three themes emerged from the open-ended responses, which were supported by closed-ended responses. (1) Focus on impairment-level measures. Although evaluation primarily involved observational, non-standardized measures of impairments and gait pattern, most respondents also considered participation-level constructs. (2) Lack of confidence/knowledge. Respondents reported a moderate level of confidence concerning decision-making about AFO type and characteristics. 3) Inconsistent practices between therapists, possibly reflecting the paucity of available evidence or individualization of the prescription.Conclusions:
Non-standardized, observational assessment methods, and impairment-level constructs appear to guide AFO prescription decisions. Integrating current knowledge into practice, developing best practice guidelines, and developing standardized tools to assess the effects of AFOs on participation may promote confidence, consistency, and improved outcomes.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Paralisia Cerebral
/
Transtornos Neurológicos da Marcha
/
Fisioterapeutas
/
Órtoses do Pé
Tipo de estudo:
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Adolescent
/
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Phys Occup Ther Pediatr
Ano de publicação:
2019
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Canadá