Article

The ankle foot orthosis (AFO) has been used for control of ankle
motion in stroke patients for a long time. However, studies on the materials used
in construction of AFOs have been limited. In this study, the authors attempted
to investigate the effect of a hybrid AFO made with polypropylene and fabric in
comparison with a conventional plastic AFO in terms of convenience and effect in
patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke. DESIGN: Seventeen patients with chronic
hemiparetic stroke who have used plastic AFOs were recruited for this study. Two
types of AFOs were used: plastic AFO made with polypropylene and hybrid AFO made
with polypropylene covered with canvas fabric, which were individually molded and
fitted. Convenience was evaluated using a self-developed questionnaire on
patients' satisfaction and weights of AFO, and effect was evaluated using gait
analysis. RESULTS: On the satisfaction questionnaire, satisfaction was greater
for the hybrid AFO, and it was lighter in weight than the plastic AFO (P < 0.05).
In gait analysis, faster walking speed, larger mean and peak ankle dorsiflexion
angles, and ankle dorsiflexion angles at heel strike and toe off were observed
for the hybrid and plastic AFOs compared with barefoot (P < 0.05). No significant
difference was observed between the two orthoses, except for ankle dorsiflexion
angle at heel strike, in which the plastic AFO showed higher ankle dorsiflexion
angle than did the hybrid AFO. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this
study, the hybrid AFO showed a similar effect in function, except for ankle
dorsiflexion angle at heel strike, and was superior with regard to convenience
compared with the conventional plastic AFO in chronic hemiparetic stroke
patients. Therefore, it seems that, in general, the hybrid AFO can be recommended
for hemiparetic stroke patients who require an AFO.

Langue : ANGLAIS