We estimate the number of homotopy types of orbit spaces for all free and properly discontinuous cellular actions of groups G Z m and G 1 * G 0 G 2 . In particular, homotopy types of orbits of (2n − 1)-spheres (2n − 1) for such actions are analysed, provided the groups G 0 , G 1 , G 2 and G are finite and periodic. This family of groups G Z m and G 1 * G 0 G 2 contains properly the family of virtually cyclic groups. The possible actions of those groups on the top cohomology of the homotopy sphere are determined as well.