Dynamic Night Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) for children in Madagascar with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is the main cause for motor disability in children, affecting their muscle control and movement. It is most prevalent in low-income-countries where access to proper maternal and medical care is limited. The Tsikelikeli rehabilitative product-service was developed with the aim of improving these children’s mobility and optimising their comfort despite severe poverty, by providing a cost-efficient yet good quality night ankle foot orthosis that maintains a low-load, prolonged stretch of their calf muscles while they are sleeping.

In order to achieve this, the night brace is produced by local craftsmanship, using locally sourced, recuperated and natural materials in a modular and easily repairable assembly. The device is adjustable on-site to various specific user needs and can grow with the young wearer for two years before being passed on to another child.

Wearing a night AFO helps to maintain and improve ankle range of motion, hereby reducing spasticity and preventing the formation of secondary joint deformities that cause pain. It can be implemented as preventative treatment from an early age (two years) for maximum results. Continued use may see  a  child  gain  independent  mobility in a society where exclusion and stigmatisation are likely alternatives.

Various design possibilities are provided for the AFO’s critical components so that its quality and medical effectiveness are not compromised by the inconsistent material availability and expertise characteristic of low-income countries.

Instructions for proper usage and daily stretch and strength exercises are provided with the AFO.