Article

One intervention often used to address physical impairments post
stroke is an ankle-foot orthosis. Ankle-foot orthoses may improve walking speed,
stride length, and gait pattern. However, effects on balance, crucial for safe
ambulation, are thus far inconclusive. One aspect of balance shown to contribute
to functional ability is self-efficacy. Self-efficacy, defined as the belief in
one's ability to succeed in particular situations, has been shown to be more
strongly associated with activity and participation (as defined by the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health) than
physical performance measures of gait or balance. OBJECTIVES: We investigated
whether self-efficacy, or balance confidence when referred to in the context of
balance capabilities, is improved with ankle-foot orthosis use. Study design:
Repeated measures study design. METHODS: Balance confidence was measured using
the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale in 15 persons with chronic
poststroke hemiplegia, with and without their regular ankle-foot orthosis.
RESULTS: Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale scores were significantly
higher (p </= 0.01) for the ankle-foot orthosis condition compared to no
ankle-foot orthosis. CONCLUSIONS: One mechanism by which ankle-foot orthosis use
may influence balance is improved balance confidence. Future work should explore
the specific mechanisms underlying this improvement in self-efficacy. Clinical
relevance Self-efficacy may be an important factor to consider when evaluating
functioning post stroke. Rehabilitative interventions that improve balance
confidence may help restore participation and overall functioning in pathological
populations, particularly in the fall-prone poststroke population. Study results
provide evidence for improvements in balance confidence with ankle-foot orthosis
use.

Langue : ANGLAIS