What Is a Floor Reaction (Ground Reaction) AFO?
A GRAFO functions as a strut between the foot and knee, leveraging ground reaction force (GRF) to create an extension moment at the knee during stance phase. This helps minimize knee hyperextension and supports smoother gait patterns.
Conditions That Benefit from a Floor Reaction or Ground Reaction AFO
- Quadriceps weakness or instability
- Excessive ankle dorsiflexion or foot drop
- Neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Guillain‑Barré syndrome, or motor neuron disease
Custom Assessment & Fitting Process at Prosthetic & Orthotic Designs
- Comprehensive Evaluation
Orthotic specialist assesses gait pattern, muscle strength, and joint stability to determine suitability. - Custom Casting
A precise cast or scan is taken for a custom-fit design. - Fabrication
The orthosis is hand-crafted with attention to anatomical fit, strap placement, padding, and trim lines. - Final Fitting & Adjustment
Delivered and fine‑tuned to optimize alignment and gait mechanics.
Benefits of Floor Reaction or Ground Reaction AFO Use
- Enhances knee stability during walking and standing
- Reduces risk of falls and improves confidence
- Redistributes weight effectively for smoother, safer mobility