CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSES ALONG WITH STRETCHING EXERCISES IN SUBJECT WITH TOE WALKING OF CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Toe walking in children is a gait abnormality where the child constantly walks on their toes or the balls of their bases rather than placing their heels on the ground. This condition can significantly impact a child’s capability to perform everyday conditioning, including walking, running, and engaging in colorful forms of play. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical effectiveness of ankle foot Orthoses along with stretching exercises in subjects with toe-walking of children in Karachi Sindh, Pakistan. Methods: This is an experimentally based comparative study in which participants are randomly selected .50 male and female participants (children) of age between 03 yrs. –12 yrs. are selected who present with toe walking due to tightness in the Achilles tendon. All participants are assessed before treatment and then reassessed after one month of therapy. Data were collected through an assessment form. The number of subjects (n) included in this study is one hundred and fifty (50) including both genders by using the standard tools, all subjects were screened. Data were analysed by using the software package SPSS 21.0 version to verify the results obtained. Results: The research demonstrated a crucial decrease in pain intensity (p < 0.05) coupled with better results for joint movement functions of inversion, eversion, plantar flexion and dorsiflexion after receiving treatment. The rate of toe-walking reduced by 44% among males and 46% among females. The initial frequency rate was 72% among females who later reached 26% and males initially at 68% reached 24%. There seems to be possible gender-specific differences in how female subjects respond to medical treatment. Conclusion: The study shows that children with toe walking due to Achilles tendon tightness can improve their walking pattern and activities of daily living by the use of ankle foot Orthoses (AFOS) & Stretching exercises. This study reveals that technological advancements and environmental sustainability significantly enhance firm value in the electric transport sector. The findings emphasize the significance of integrating green technologies and ecological practices to drive request growth and support global sustainability sweats.