Children with cerebral palsy showed an improvement in static and functional balance while using postural insoles combined with an ankle-foot orthosis, according to results from a randomized controlled study conducted in Brazil.
A group of 20 children ages 4 years to 12 years were divided into two groups. The experimental group was given postural insoles and the control group was given placebo insoles. Researchers evaluated static and functional balance immediately following placement of insoles; after 3 months of insole use; and 1 month after suspending insole use. Balance assessment tests included the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) Test, Six-Minute Walk Test and Gross Motor Function Measure-88 as well as the determination of oscillations from the center of pressure in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions with eyes open and closed.
All children already made use of AFOs, and continued to use them through the study. In addition, they wore insoles in their shoes for a period of 6 hours per day.
The results showed significant reductions in the time required to execute the TUG as well as in body sway in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions with eyes open for the children wearing postural insoles. The researchers concluded that “postural insoles lead to improvements in static balance and mobility and contribute toward a better understanding and integration of therapeutic resources employed in physical rehabilitation applied to pediatric neurology.”
Reference:
Christovão T. BJPI. 2014;doi:10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0072.
Disclosure: Funding for the study was provided by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo.
