Article

The objectives of this study are to investigate the long-term effect
of anterior ankle-foot orthosis on the functional walking ability of chronic
stroke patients and their subjective perception and to identify the type of
chronic stroke patients who are better responders to the wearing of anterior
ankle-foot orthosis. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional cohort comparison study.
Fifty-two stroke patients wearing an anterior ankle-foot orthosis for at least 5
mos were evaluated using the modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile and the
6-min walking test with and without an anterior ankle-foot orthosis. Falls
Efficacy Scale-International and a self-designed questionnaire were administered
to assess subjective perceptions. RESULTS: All modified Emory Functional
Ambulation Profile subscores significantly decreased with the anterior ankle-foot
orthosis; the mean difference in favor of the anterior ankle-foot orthosis on the
floor was -2.88 secs; the carpet, -5.44 secs; "up and go," -5.09 secs; obstacle,
-8.42 secs; stairs, -6.45 secs; and in the 6-min walking test, 19.75 m (all P <
0.01). Patients who were of younger age or with low walking ability or both would
have more benefits. The total scores of Falls Efficacy Scale-International were
significantly lower with anterior ankle-foot orthosis as compared with that
without anterior ankle-foot orthosis (31.57 +/- 12.79 vs. 39.51 +/- 12.65).
Around 90% participants perceived that their walking performance improved with
the anterior ankle-foot orthosis either indoors or outdoors, and they would
recommend the anterior ankle-foot orthosis to other stroke patients. The greatest
disadvantage of anterior ankle-foot orthosis is the difficulty in donning and doffing. Conclusions: The effects of the anterior ankle-foot orthosis on stroke
patients' functional walking ability and fall efficacy were significant. Patients
who were of younger age or with low walking ability or both were more suitable
for using the anterior ankle-foot orthosis.

Langue : ANGLAIS