Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of homemade ankle-foot orthopedic band on motor function of lower extremities in children with foot drop post spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods 24 spastic hemiplegic CP children were randomly divided into observation group (n=12) and control group (n=12). Both groups accepted roution rehabilitation training. The control group accepted walking training, and the observation group accepted walking training wearing the homemade ankle-foot orthopedic band, for 12 weeks. They were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) of gastrocnemius, range of motion (ROM) of ankle active dorsiflexion, and D and E domains of Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) before and after treatment. Results The score of MAS significantly decreased in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and decreased more in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). ROM and scores of D and E domains of GMFM-88 significantly increased in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and increased more in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Walking training with the homemade ankle-foot orthopedic band may further decrease the muscle tone of gastrocnemius, increase the active range of motion of ankle and improve the motor function of lower extremities in children with foot drop post spastic hemiplegic CP.

Key words: cerebral palsy, spastic hemiplegia, ankle-foot orthopedic band, foot drop, lower extremities, motor function