The effects of a short ankle-foot orthosis on gait in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia

ABSTRACT

@#Objective: We evaluated the effects of a short ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia by comparing its effectiveness to that of a conventional solid plastic AFO. The calf shells of the long and short AFOs were manufactured in lengths that extended proximally 2.5 cm distal to the fibular head and mid-calf level, respectively. Methods: Ten patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke were recruited for the study. Two types of AFOs, short and long, were used, both of which were individually molded and fitted. AFO preference was evaluated using a questionnaire regarding AFO weight, ease of donning and doffing, stability, and comfort. AFO effectiveness was evaluated using gait analysis. Results: The short AFO improved gait speed, stride length, and toe clearance as effectively as the long AFO. Additionally, we found that the short AFO had additional merits in terms of its lighter weight and ease of donning and doffing. Conclusion: The short AFO is a useful treatment option, especially in patients who dislike the heaviness of conventional AFOs or who have difficulty donning and doffing conventional AFOs.