Effects of Wearing Orthoses on Nightly Postures on Passive Stiffness in Plantar Flexors Muscles in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Effects of Wearing Orthoses on Nightly Postures on Passive Stiffness in Plantar Flexors Muscles in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Children with cerebral palsy present early in the childhood altered muscular properties,
 characterized by short muscle belly length and increased stiffness which contribute to
 contracture and limiting joint range of motion. In order to prevent equinus deformity, ankle
 foot orthoses for night splinting are usually used in children with spastic Cerebral Palsy
 (CP). However, there's a lack of proof about efficacy by using this modality of treatment.
 Moreover, impact on quality of life for children and families, cost for society were high.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Children diagnosed spastic cerebral palsy

 -  Children wearing night splint ankle foot orthoses all night long during 1 week minimum

 -  Children with a level of spasticity in the gastrocnemius muscle greater than or equal
 to X1, VII, on the Tardieu scale and 2 on the Ashworth scale.

 -  Children able to understand and respect the simple instructions of the study

 -  Children and parents who received informed information about the study and who
 co-signed, with the investigator, a consent to participate in the study.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Children who do not tolerate ankle foot orthoses all night long.

 -  Children who had botulinum injection in gastrocnemius or soleus muscles during last
 three months.

 -  Children benefiting from an injection of botulinum toxin or the setting up of new
 equipment during the protocol.

 -  Children who do not tolerate ankle foot orthoses all night long.

 -  Children having benefited from plaster lengthening for less than three months.