Effect of ankle foot orthosis on gait parameters and functional ambulation in patients with stroke

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of ankle foot orthosis (AFO) on temporospatial parameters, ankle kinematics, andfunctional ambulation level in patients with stroke.Patients and methods: Records of 286 adult patients with stroke assessed in the gait and motion analysis laboratory between April 2005 andJanuary 2013 were reviewed. The data of 28 patients (16 males, 12 females; mean age 43.2±15.9 years; range 20 to 72 years) who were analyzedwith and without AFO during the same session were selected for the study. Temporospatial parameters (walking speed, cadence, oppositefoot contact, double support time, single support time, step time, and step length) and ankle kinematics (ankle dorsiflexion at initial contactand midswing) were measured using the Vicon 512 motion analysis system. The video and medical records of patients were examined todetermine their ambulation level according to Functional Ambulation Category.Results: Walking speed, cadence, and ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact and midswing were significantly increased while walking withAFO compared to walking barefoot (p