Objective:To compare the motor performance of children with cerebral palsy (CP) under two conditions: with and without orthoses. Method:Twenty children with CP were evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Measure test (GMFM), a modified version of the Physicians Rating Scale (PRS) locomotion assessment, and an interview with their parents to evaluate the use of orthoses in their daily routine. Results:The ANOVA test was used to evaluate the effect of orthosis use on the children's mobility, and it revealed that, when orthosis was used, the means for gross motor function and gait assessments were significantly higher. The interviews confirmed that the use of orthoses was included in the daily routine, and the parents demonstrated positive perceptions regarding the use of such devices. Conclusion: Orthoses improved the performance of routine daily motor tasks among the children with CP, and this finding may serve to guide the assessment and intervention processes of professionals who work with this clientele.
cerebral palsy; orthosis; mobility
