Study: AFO Bending Axis Influences Running

Research examining the effect of ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) design characteristics has generally excluded high-impact activities such as running, providing limited information to guide the development of objective prescription guidelines. A study, published online April 24 in Gait & Posture, set out to determine if the location of an AFO’s bending axis influences running mechanics. The authors concluded that if greater ankle range of motion is tolerated, a low bending axis provides power and propulsive benefits during running, although individual preference and physical ability should also be considered.