Parent experience with ankle-foot orthoses for their young children with cerebral palsy: a qualitative study

PurposeThis study explored the experiences of parents of young children with cerebral palsy who used Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs).Materials and MethodsParents of children with cerebral palsy (n = 11; age range 2-6 years) who used solid or hinged AFOs participated. Interpretive Description, a qualitative methodological approach focused on the application of findings to clinical practice, was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and themes were developed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes described parent experience with their children's AFOs: 1) Hear what I am saying: Collaborative decision-making with families, 2) Is my child going to be excluded because of AFOs?: Parent and child adjustment was a journey, 3) AFOs created financial and practical challenges, 4) The perceived benefits of AFO use.ConclusionsAdjusting to AFOs was a challenging and time-consuming process for parents and children, which may have resulted in lower frequency and duration of use than anticipated by clinicians. Clinicians must be aware of the physical and psychosocial adjustment process as children and families adapt over time and work with families to ensure AFO use is optimized and individualized.

Automated summary

This study explored the experiences of parents of young children with cerebral palsy who used Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs). The findings revealed that adjusting to AFOs was a challenging and time-consuming process for parents and children, resulting in lower than anticipated use. Clinicians should be aware of the physical and psychosocial adjustment process and work with families to optimize and individualize AFO use.