Article

Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are usually used for patients with
incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI) to provide support in walking.
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of AFOs, with and without ankle
hinges, on specific gait parameters during treadmill training by subjects with ISCI. STUDY DESIGN : Quasi-experimental. METHODS : Five patients with ISCI at the
thoracic level participated in this study. Gait evaluation was performed when
walking 1) barefoot 2) wearing a solid AFO and 3) wearing a hinged AFO. RESULTS:
The mean step length when walking barefoot was 26.3 +/- 16.37 cm compared to 31.3
+/- 17.27 cm with a solid AFO and 28.5 +/- 15.86 cm with a hinged AFO. The mean
cadence for walking barefoot was 61.59 +/- 25.65 steps/min. compared to 50.94 +/-
22.36 steps/min. with a solid AFO and 56.25 +/- 24.44 steps/min with a hinged
AFO. Significant differences in cadence and step length during walking were only
demonstrated between the barefoot condition and when wearing a solid AFO.
Significant difference was not observed between conditions in mean of ankle range
of motion. CONCLUSION: The solid AFO was the only condition which improved
cadence and step length in patients during ISCI gait training. Clinical relevance
A solid AFO could be used permanently to compensate for impaired ankle function
or it could be used while retraining stepping.

Langue : ANGLAIS