Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of physical therapy using Cascade orthotics and an exercise program for children with hypotonia and flatfeet. Subjects: Thirty-seven children, aged 18 months to 5 years, who demonstrated developmental delays and hypotonia with flatfoot dysfunction, participated in this study. Methods: Three groups (control, orthotic, and orthotic-exercise) were studied. The orthotic- exercise group practiced bilateral heel lifts besides wearing the orthoses. An arch index was used to assess the width of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) pre/post interventions. Gait parameters (velocity, step-length, single-limb support, and cadence) were assessed four times in a six-month period using the GAITRite™ system. Results: Significant differences pre/post testing (P<.05) were found in the arch index for the orthotic group and positive trends were observed for the orthotic-exercise group. Velocity, step-length, single-limb support, and cadence changes were also significant for the three groups over time. Conclusions: Interventions benefit children with hypotonia and flat feet. Future studies might consider a longer duration and larger sample size.

LLU Discipline

Physical Therapy

Department

Physical Therapy Sciences

School

School of Allied Health Professions

First Advisor

Bonnie Forrester

Second Advisor

Everett Lohman III

Third Advisor

Grenith Zimmerman

Fourth Advisor

Fernando Villar

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2004

Date (Title Page)

6-2004

Language

English

Subject - Local

Muscle Hypotonia -- therapy; Flatfoot -- therapy; Child.

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vi; 45

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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