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The Ponseti method for clubfoot treatment offers satisfactory initial correction, but success correlates with abduction brace compliance, which is variable. Electrical stimulation as a dynamic intervention to prevent relapses was investigated. Data were compared to a control group. There was a significant improvement in ankle range of motion only in the study group after short-term intervention, and a trend toward greater increase in calf circumference in this group. Parental perception was positive with no compliance issues. This study suggests stimulation is feasible with potential to increase ankle range of motion and facilitate muscle activity. It could be an important adjunct in preventing relapses, however, further studies with larger groups and longer intervention and follow-up duration are necessary.

Static measures data for infants are used in clinical practice and studies without published reliabilities. Intraobserver reliabilities for static measures were assessed in normally developing feet and clubfeet. Coefficient of repeatability was used for reliability. Variability in reliability was found. Ankle dorsiflexion, calf circumference and foot length were considered to be reliable in both groups. Foot width was considered unreliable and reliability for ankle plantarflexion knee flexed or extended does not seem to justify its use clinically. These results suggest that ankle dorsiflexion, calf circumference and foot length are reliable measures in infants and can be used for study conclusions and clinical decisions.