This presentation introduces research suggesting that ankle foot orthoses may improve automatic postural responses in some patient populations as a result of improved proprioceptive feedback. A review of somatosensory information and its importance in balance control is provided. A brief literature review highlighting related research is included. The presenter’s recent research using objective digital analysis of automatic postural responses provides new theoretical support for the use of AFOs and AFO-like devices for patients with impaired sensation below the ankles. The research suggests that the increased proprioceptive feedback provided by an AFO-like device improves balance and decreases the time it takes for the muscles to respond to disturbances in balance. The research was conducted using computerized dynamic posturography. The results were found to be consistent whether the orthotic device stabilized the ankle or not. This research provides further evidence that proprioception is critical for control of balance; it also suggests that auxillary sensory clues directed toward healthy tissue may help the central nervous system compensate for the lack of sensation distally.