The Role of Aesthetics in AFO Compliance
Date of Award
Spring 5-2025
Document Type
Non Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Amy Funke
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine how the aesthetics surrounding AFOs could be approached differently in order to improve poor rates of patient compliance. The participants in the study consisted of 12 current AFO patients who were recommended by their provider due to a record of non-compliance related to aesthetic complaints. Interviews were utilized to determine patient preferences, and each participant's personal aesthetics were factored in to produce new AFOs of a similar design that were worn for the following 6 months. Interviews were again conducted to gain participants' perspectives on wearing the new devices. Participants' daily wear time was recorded with their original AFO and the new AFO to determine if compliance had increased. These results could be used to better understand how to integrate a patient's personal aesthetic into their device, limiting issues with non-compliance due to negative perceptions.