More Than Just an AFO Part 1: Mechanics, Function, and Common Myths

Presented by Andrea E. Ecsedy

Video Runtime: 42 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 21 Minutes

This course will cover normal gait mechanics specific to the ankle. It will include the critical events and functional tasks essential for each phase of gait, as well as how the ankle affects the joints further up the kinetic chain. There will be in-depth discussion and examples of how manipulating the ankle can have a direct effect on proximal joints and biomechanical alignment. Common myths about AFOs will be presented, as well as evidence showing why these are myths and not facts.

Meet your instructor

A smiling person with short hair and glasses wearing a red top is in front of a wavy white background.

Andrea E. Ecsedy

Andrea Ecsedy, PT, DPT, NCS, is a board-certified specialist in neurologic physical therapy with over 40 years of clinical experience. Her clinical focus includes balance and vestibular dysfunction, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurologic diseases. She has taught as adjunct faculty in several university physical…

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Chapters & learning objectives

More Than Just An Ankle-Foot Orthosis

1. More Than Just An Ankle-Foot Orthosis

This chapter will review normal gait mechanics, including muscle function and range requirements, critical events, and functional tasks. The role of the ankle in stance stability will be emphasized to help the learner fully appreciate the importance of achieving stance stability as the primary goal when attempting to promote normal gait mechanics.

Common Myths About AFOs, and Biomechanics of How the Ankle Influences the Joints

2. Common Myths About AFOs, and Biomechanics of How the Ankle Influences the Joints

This chapter will focus on three common myths about the use of AFOs and why these are truly myths and are not supported by the evidence. A video demonstration of the biomechanical concepts will also be presented.

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