Which of the following conditions is most likely to benefit from a floor reaction AFO?

A floor reaction ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is specifically designed to assist individuals who have weak quadriceps muscles, which often results in difficulty maintaining knee stability during ambulation. When the individual is standing or walking, the floor reaction AFO incorporates a semirigid or rigid structure that generates a ground reaction force. This design helps to extend the knee during stance phase of gait, effectively stabilizing the knee joint against flexion moments caused by gravity and forward momentum.

The effectiveness of a floor reaction AFO lies in its ability to redistribute forces through the orthosis to support the knee, thereby allowing the person to walk more effectively and safely even with compromised muscle strength. In this case, individuals with weak quadriceps can benefit significantly from the support offered by this type of orthotic device, enabling better function and potentially improving overall mobility.

Other conditions listed, like flat feet, high arches, and severe ankle instability, would not receive the same level of benefit from a floor reaction AFO. Flat feet may require a different type of orthotic intervention focused on arch support. High arches typically need orthotics that help with cushioning and off-loading pressure points. Severe ankle instability generally requires an AFO designed to stabilize the ankle rather than one that primarily