Gait pattern
Describe the observed deviation through gait phase and segment position.
Clinical decision support
A structured approach to gait analysis and AFO tuning
Designed for clinicians, the FabTech AFO Tuning Guide uses observational gait assessment to identify gait-deviation patterns, consider their potential causes, and review possible solutions for optimizing ankle-foot orthosis function.
About the clinical framework ⌄
About the clinical framework
The guide combines evidence-based principles associated with Elaine Owen, PT, DPT, EdD, and Jacquelin Perry, MD, DSc, FAOA. It is designed as a three-part tool: to identify gait-deviation patterns, identify potential causes, and identify potential solutions.
The assessment begins with the three functional tasks of gait—weight acceptance, single-limb support, and swing limb advancement—then narrows the observation by gait phase, shank position relative to vertical, and thigh position relative to vertical.
The gait-analysis framework draws primarily on Elaine Owen’s classification of shank and thigh mechanics, while the potential-cause framework draws primarily on Jacquelin Perry’s classification of gait-deviation sources. Potential solutions are prioritized using FabTech’s evidence-based AFO “Active Ingredients” philosophy: alignment, stiffness, and force-transfer design are considered, in order of influence, as determinants of clinical efficacy.
Potential causes
Review deformity, weakness, muscle-control, and pain contributors.
Potential solutions
Consider alignment, stiffness, and force-transfer design.
1Gait period
→2Gait phase
→3Shank position
→4Thigh position