scholarly journals A sock for foot-drop: A preliminary study on two chronic stroke patients

2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 425-430
Author(s):  
Sarah Prenton ◽  
Laurence PJ Kenney ◽  
Glen Cooper ◽  
Matthew J Major
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Motor Impairment ◽  
Chronic Stroke ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Foot Drop ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthosis ◽  
General Improvement ◽  
Foot Orthosis

Background: Foot-drop is a common motor impairment of chronic stroke patients, which may be addressed with an ankle foot orthosis. Although there is reasonable evidence of effectiveness for ankle foot orthoses, user compliance is sometimes poor. This study investigated a new alternative to the ankle foot orthosis, the dorsiflex sock. Case description and methods: The dorsiflex sock was evaluated using an A-B single case experimental design. Two community-dwelling, chronic stroke patients with foot-drop participated in this study. Measures were selected to span the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health domains and user views on the dorsiflex sock were also collected. Findings and outcomes: The dorsiflex sock was not effective in improving participants’ walking symmetry, speed or energy expenditure. Participant 1 showed improvement in the distance he could walk in 6 min when using the dorsiflex sock, but this was in keeping with a general improvement trend over the course of this study. However, both participants viewed the dorsiflex sock positively and reported a positive effect on their walking. Conclusion: Despite positive user perceptions, the study found no clear evidence that dorsiflex sock is effective in improving foot-drop. Clinical relevance Although the dorsiflex sock offers an attractive alternative to an ankle foot orthosis, the case studies found no clear evidence of its efficacy. Clinicians should view this device with caution until further research becomes available.

scholarly journals The influence of an ankle-foot orthosis on the spatiotemporal gait parameters and functional balance in chronic stroke patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 1621-1628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vendula Bouchalová ◽  
Els Houben ◽  
Dorine Tancsik ◽  
Lotte Schaekers ◽  
Leni Meuws ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Stroke ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthosis ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Foot Orthosis

Manuscript title: The effect of three dimensional printing hinged ankle foot orthosis in chronic stroke patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jimmy Chun-Ming Fu ◽  
Cyuan-Fong Li ◽  
Yu-Hsuan Hsiao ◽  
Feng-Zu Sheen ◽  
Yi-Jen Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Chronic Stroke ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Three Dimensional Printing ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthosis ◽  
Asymmetry Analysis ◽  
Gait Asymmetry ◽  
Dimensional Printing ◽  
Foot Orthosis

Abstract BackgroundThree-dimensional printing (3DP) is a promising technique utilized in orthosis fabrication, including ankle foot orthosis for stroke patients. However, the effects on ankle biomechanics remains unclear. ObjectivesTo compare the plantar pressure distribution and patient’s subjective experience in chronic stroke patients during 3DP hinged ankle foot orthosis (3DP-HAFO) and anterior ankle foot orthosis (A-AFO) walking MethodsTen patients with first-ever unilateral stroke were enrolled in this study. All patients performed 10-meter walk test in 3 different conditions, including 3DP-HAFO walking, A-AFO walking, and bare foot walking. The plantar pressure parameters including contact area, maximum force, and peak pressure were collected using Pedar X insole system. Gait asymmetry analysis of the plantar pressure parameters was conducted. Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) was used for patient’s satisfaction.Results3DP-HAFO walking revealed significant increase in medial midfoot peak pressure compared to bare foot walking. Gait asymmetry analysis illustrated more even medial midfoot contact area during 3DP-HAFO walking compared to bare foot walking while A-AFO walking did not. In QUEST survey, 3DP-HAFO outweighs A-AFO in fitting and durableness. Conclusions3DP-HAFO may improve ankle instability and gait asymmetry in chronic stroke patients.

scholarly journals A Review on the Control of the Mechanical Properties of Ankle Foot Orthosis for Gait Assistance

Actuators ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimas Adiputra ◽  
Nurhazimah Nazmi ◽  
Irfan Bahiuddin ◽  
Ubaidillah Ubaidillah ◽  
Fitrian Imaduddin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Adaptive Controller ◽  
Foot Drop ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Gait Control ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthosis ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Foot Orthosis

In the past decade, advanced technologies in robotics have been explored to enhance the rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. Previous works have shown that gait assistance for post-stroke patients can be provided through the use of robotics technology in ancillary equipment, such as Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO). An AFO is usually used to assist patients with spasticity or foot drop problems. There are several types of AFOs, depending on the flexibility of the joint, such as rigid, flexible rigid, and articulated AFOs. A rigid AFO has a fixed joint, and a flexible rigid AFO has a more flexible joint, while the articulated AFO has a freely rotating ankle joint, where the mechanical properties of the AFO are more controllable compared to the other two types of AFOs. This paper reviews the control of the mechanical properties of existing AFOs for gait assistance in post-stroke patients. Several aspects that affect the control of the mechanical properties of an AFO, such as the controller input, number of gait phases, controller output reference, and controller performance evaluation are discussed and compared. Thus, this paper will be of interest to AFO researchers or developers who would like to design their own AFOs with the most suitable mechanical properties based on their application. The controller input and the number of gait phases are discussed first. Then, the discussion moves forward to the methods of estimating the controller output reference, which is the main focus of this study. Based on the estimation method, the gait control strategies can be classified into subject-oriented estimations and phase-oriented estimations. Finally, suggestions for future studies are addressed, one of which is the application of the adaptive controller output reference to maximize the benefits of the AFO to users.

Peroneal Nerve Stimulation versus an Ankle Foot Orthosis for Correction of Footdrop in Stroke: Impact on Functional Ambulation

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne R. Sheffler ◽  
Maureen T. Hennessey ◽  
Gregory G. Naples ◽  
John Chae
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Peroneal Nerve ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Chronic Stroke ◽  
Foot Drop ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthosis ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Peroneal Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Foot Orthosis

Objective. To compare the efficacy of the Odstock Dropped-Foot Stimulator (ODFS), a transcutaneous peroneal nerve stimulation device, versus an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) in improving functional ambulation of chronic stroke survivors. Intervention. Fourteen chronic stroke survivors with foot-drop participated in the study. Participants received ambulation training under 3 test conditions: 1) ODFS, 2) customized AFO, and 3) no device. Each participant was evaluated using the modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile under the 3 test conditions. All participants were evaluated with a post-evaluation survey to solicit device feedback and preferences. Results. Functional ambulation with the AFO was significantly improved, relative to no device, on the floor ( P = 0.000), carpet ( P = 0.013), and “up and go” test ( P = 0.042). There was a trend toward significance on the obstacle ( P = 0.092) and stair ( P = 0.067) trials. Functional ambulation with the ODFS was significantly improved, relative to no device, on the carpet( P = 0.004). A trend toward significance on floor ( P = 0.081), obstaclxze ( P = 0.092), and stair ( P = 0.079) trials was observed. The difference in functional ambulation between the AFO and ODFS showed a trend toward statistical significance on floor ( P = 0.065) and up and go ( P = 0.082) trials only. Given a choice between the ODFS and AFO for long-term correction of footdrop, participants indicated a preference for the ODFS. Conclusion. The AFO and the ODFS may be comparable in their effect on improving functional ambulation as compared to no device. Specific characteristics of the ODFS may make it a preferred intervention by stroke survivors. More rigorously controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

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