Roger Skaer – AFO Method

Here’s What You Get:

What “AFO Method” Actually Refers To

In medical/biomechanics literature, an Roger Skaer – AFO Method is:

A systematic way to adjust and optimize ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs)
Used by clinicians to improve walking (gait) in patients with neurological conditions

These include:

• Stroke
• Cerebral palsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injuries

Core Idea Behind the Method

The method focuses on this principle:

Match device mechanics to the patient’s gait problems

Instead of guessing, clinicians:

• Observe walking patterns
• Identify biomechanical issues
• Adjust the orthosis accordingly

This is often described as an “evidence-guided adjustment algorithm”

Key Variables the Method Adjusts

1. Alignment (Angle)

• Position of foot relative to leg
• Usually around 90° neutral alignment

2. Resistance (Force)

• How much the brace resists ankle movement
• Measured in torque (Nm)

3. Stiffness

• How quickly resistance increases as the ankle moves

These 3 factors directly affect walking mechanics

How the Method Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Initial Setup (“Bench Alignment”)

• Set baseline mechanical properties of the AFO

Step 2 — Fit + Observe Gait

• Patient walks while clinician analyzes movement

Step 3 — Adjust Alignment

• Modify ankle angle or shoe heel height

Step 4 — Adjust Resistance

• Tune spring tension or joint resistance

Step 5 — Iterate

• Repeat adjustments based on observed improvements

Typically done in ~30 minutes in clinical settings

Goals of the AFO Method

• Improve walking efficiency
• Reduce instability or tripping
• Correct abnormal gait patterns
• Optimize knee + ankle coordination

Ultimately: make movement more natural and energy-efficient

Why This Method Matters

There’s no universal standard for AFO tuning, so this method provides:

• A structured, repeatable approach
• Data-driven decision making
• Better outcomes vs trial-and-error

Important Clarification

• This is NOT a business, marketing, or online course
• It’s a medical/rehabilitation framework
• Likely confusion:
  • “AFO Method” ≠ info product
  • It’s used by orthotists, physiotherapists, clinicians

Bottom Line

AFO Method = clinical system for optimizing walking using orthotic devices.

• Highly technical
• Evidence-based
• Used in healthcare—not business education