How should equipment be chosen for the orthotic program?

• A. Based on goals and optimal level of performance.
• B. Based on motor level alone.
• C. Based on caregiver preference only.
• D. Based on the child’s age alone.

Answer: (A)

Choosing orthotic equipment comes down to matching what the child needs to do with what the device can reliably enable. The best choice is guided by the child’s goals and the level of performance that can be realistically achieved, aiming for meaningful participation in daily activities, school, and play while balancing stability, energy efficiency, and safety. This means looking beyond just physical capability to see how the device will be used in real life, how comfortable it is, and how easy it will be to don, doff, and maintain.

A comprehensive assessment considers multiple factors: motor abilities (strength, range of motion, balance, and tone), skin health and sensation, cognitive ability to use and care for the device, growth and development, and the environment where it will be used. It also weighs practical concerns like weight, durability, cost, and the resources available for fitting and follow-up. The goal is to select equipment that supports the highest level of functional performance that the child can achieve safely, with a plan for progression or modification as needs change.

Equipment chosen solely based on motor level, caregiver preference, or age alone misses the bigger picture. Those factors are important but don’t by themselves determine what will most effectively support the child’s goals or how well the device will fit into daily life and ongoing therapy.