Pemberian AFO untuk Rehabilitasi Pasien Cerebal Palsy

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive disorder of movement and posture resulting from brain damage during development, often accompanied by gait abnormalities due to spasticity in the lower limb muscles. A common orthotic intervention is the Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO), which serves to stabilize the ankle complex, prevent contractures, and improve gait efficiency. This community service initiative aimed to provide screening, assessment, AFO fabrication, and usage education for children with cerebral palsy at the TOP Clinic, while also enhancing parental understanding regarding AFO care and use. The activity was conducted in four stages: outreach and screening; assessment; casting and AFO fabrication by the TOP Clinic’s orthotist-prosthetist; and fitting, accompanied by evaluation and education. Ten children with cerebral palsy participated in the program. The results demonstrated improved stability and gait patterns in the children following AFO use consistent with scientific evidence regarding AFO effectiveness for this population—as well as increased parental understanding of device maintenance. This initiative is expected to serve as a model for sustainable orthotic services for children with cerebral palsy, particularly for families with limited access to healthcare.