[Orthoses in the treatment of neuromotor diseases: mechanism of action of novel aids for positioning, sitting, standing and walking].

The main indication of orthoses is compensation of malposition, prevention of malalignment and the balance of motion to improve function. Orthoses support current concepts of therapy and are not forms of therapy in their own right. From this point of view orthoses are often used too late to prevent deformities. Efforts to standardize individual ortheses production and orthoses indication are showing initial success. The use of new materials has radically changed orthoses and further advances are expected with the use of electronic components, although this is still at early stages. For some years, particular attention has been paid to the evaluation and objective measurement of the effectiveness of orthoses. The future of orthotics lies in further specialization, standardized indication and objective measurement of acute and long-term results.