PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review of the literature was to determine the efficacy of orthoses for children with hypotonia and provide a concise summary of the state of the evidence in this area. METHODS: Fifteen search terms were used to find articles addressing children with hypotonia, orthotic use, and physical therapy. RESULTS: Ten articles met the inclusion criteria, but no level I evidence was found. Data were reported for body structure and activity components, but not participation outcomes. Current evidence suggests that foot orthoses and supramalleolar orthoses may benefit children with hypotonia; however, the evidence is low level. CONCLUSION: The evidence for efficacy of orthoses for children with hypotonia continues to have gaps with the following questions still unanswered: when is the optimal time to introduce orthoses, are foot orthoses or supramalleolar orthoses more efficacious, should orthoses be combined with physical therapy?
For more information on this journal, please visit http://www.lww.com.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher