Article

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly prescribed to improve gait. The stiffness
of an AFO is central for successful prescription; however, the recommended level
of stiffness is currently based on the experience of clinicians. Therefore, the
aim of this study was to design an experimental AFO (EAFO) whose stiffness was
adjustable using commercially available oil-damper joints, and to demonstrate its
potential capability in investigating the effects of altering AFO stiffness on
gait. The influence of the EAFO stiffness on ankle joint kinematics in sagittal
plane was evaluated in 10 patients with stroke by altering the stiffness of its
oil-damper- type orthotic ankle joints using the four levels pre-set and defined
by the manufacturer in dorsi- and plantarflexion directions independently. The
mean peak plantarflexion angle was reduced by 105%, showing a change from 8.18
(3.14) degrees of plantarflexion to 0.38 (4.17) degrees of dorsiflexion, whilst
the mean peak dorsiflexion angle was reduced by 44%, showing a change from 11.46
(5.57) degrees of dorsiflexion to 6.47 (5.23) degrees of dorsiflexion by altering
the EAFO stiffness. The EAFO would therefore serve as a convenient tool when
investigating the influence of AFO stiffness on gait in both clinical and
research settings.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS