Customized passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses can improve walking economy and speed for many individuals post-stroke.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (PD-AFOs) are often prescribed to address plantar flexor weakness during gait, which is commonly observed after stroke. However, limited evidence is available to inform the prescription guidelines of PD-AFO bending stiffness. This study assessed the extent to which PD-AFOs customized to match an individual's level of plantar flexor weakness influence walking function, as compared to No AFO and their standard of care (SOC) AFO.

Methods

Mechanical cost-of-transport, self-selected walking speed, and key biomechanical variables were measured while individuals greater than six months post-stroke walked with No AFO, with their SOC AFO, and with a stiffness-customized PD-AFO. Outcomes were compared across these conditions using a repea

SUBMITTER: Skigen JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11285468 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature