The influence of foot orthoses on the function of a child with developmental delay.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Foot orthoses may lead to improved function when used to control faulty foot biomechanics. The purpose of this case report was to describe the influence of modified stabilizing foot splints (SFSs) on the function of a child with developmental delay.

CASE DESCRIPTION: The participant was a 19-month-old girl with hypotonia and developmental delay due to hydrocephalus and congenital absence of the corpus callosum.

INTERVENTION: Modified SFSs were created with the child's feet held in a subtalar neutral position.

OUTCOMES: Five items from the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale II (rise to stand, standing, lowering, cruising, and stepping forward) were tracked over three weeks, under three conditions: with shoes and orthoses, shoes only, and barefoot. The ability to perform these items was improved when wearing shoes and orthoses.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes indicate that future study of the modified SFS as an intervention is warranted.