Background: Some authors suggest that correction of ambulation using orthosis is required for children with cerebral palsy. Nowadays major attention is paid to orthopedic shoes. However, joint deformities, which are a result of spastic paralysis, are not corrected by orthopedic shoes because child’s foot deformity is not adjusted to the foot but vice versa. Aim: The aim of the study was to find out if ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) and physiotherapy intervention improves ambulation in 6-10 year old children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: In the study, 6-10 year old children (n=10) with CP (2 girls and 8 boys) were selected from kindergarten-school. Control group (n=20) was used to compare gait parameters. Gait parameters, 10 meter walking speed and passive range of motion (ROM) was measured for comparison. Conclusions: Findings of the study suggest that, both ankle-foot orthoses and orthoses combined with physiotherapy improve ambulation in children with cerebral palsy.

Baigiamajame magistro darbe yra atliekamas apatinių galūnių įtvarų ilgaamžiškumo tyrimas. Yra iškeliama čiurnos sąnario įtvarų patvarumo problema ir sudaroma jos sprendimo metodika. Darbe yra atliekama čiurnos sąnario biomechanikos analizė, įtvarų konstrukcijų ir medžiagų analizė, nagrinėjama ilgaamžiškumo reikšmė ir tyrimo būdai. Sudaroma tyrimo metodika. Kompiuterinio modeliavimo būdu, panaudojant SolidWorks programinę įrangą, yra sudaromas įtvaro modelis, nustatomos veikiančios apkrovos, atliekami įtempių ir poslinkių pasiskirstymo tyrimai. Atliekami modelio nuovargio bandymai. Atsižvelgiant į tyrimų rezultatus, yra sudaromi įtvarų iš aukštos temperatūros plastikų tinkamo pritaikymo nurodymai. Pateikiamos išvados ir literatūros sąrašas. / Final thesis presents the research of durability of lower limbs splints. The problem of fatigue behaviour of ankle joint splint is raised and its solution is suggested. Final thesis contains ankle joint biomechanics analysis, lower limbs splints design and material analysis. Review of durability research methods is also done. The methodology of research is arranged. Using the computer aided modeling with SolidWorks software the model of ankle joint splint is created. Load parameters are determined, research of stresses and deformations are performed. Fatigue test is also performed. Due to the results of research, the instructions for ankle joint splints made of high density polyethylene and polypropylene use and adaptation are listed. Final thesis also contains conclusions and list of literature. Size of work – 77 pages of text without attachments, 55 pictures, 9 tables and 25 bibliographical sources.