A Floor Reaction AFO primarily accomplishes which effect?

A Floor Reaction AFO primarily accomplishes which effect?

• A. Places extension force closer to knee than other AFOs with anterior padded shell
• B. Assists with knee flexion during stance
• C. Provides ankle inversion/eversion control
• D. Places extension force closer to knee than other AFOs with anterior padded shell

Answer: (D)

Floor reaction AFOs work by using the ground reaction force to create an external knee extension moment during stance. By positioning the design so that the extension effect is directed closer to the knee than other AFOs with an anterior padded shell, the external knee extension moment is increased, which helps resist knee flexion and stabilize the knee during weight-bearing. This is why the primary outcome of this type of device is improved knee control in stance, rather than aiding knee flexion or providing ankle inversion/eversion control.

Floor reaction AFOs work by using the ground reaction force to create an external knee extension moment during stance. By positioning the design so that the extension effect is directed closer to the knee than other AFOs with an anterior padded shell, the external knee extension moment is increased, which helps resist knee flexion and stabilize the knee during weight-bearing. This is why the primary outcome of this type of device is improved knee control in stance, rather than aiding knee flexion or providing ankle inversion/eversion control.