The effect of a modified elastic band orthosis on gait and balance in stroke survivors
Issued Date
2023-10-01
Resource Type
eISSN
17461553
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85174640997
Pubmed ID
36752760
Journal Title
Prosthetics and orthotics international
Volume
47
Issue
5
Start Page
466
End Page
472
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Prosthetics and orthotics international Vol.47 No.5 (2023) , 466-472
Suggested Citation
Thitithunwarat N., Krityakiarana W., Kheowsri S., Jongkamonwiwat N., Richards J. The effect of a modified elastic band orthosis on gait and balance in stroke survivors. Prosthetics and orthotics international Vol.47 No.5 (2023) , 466-472. 472. doi:10.1097/PXR.0000000000000205 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/90837
Title
The effect of a modified elastic band orthosis on gait and balance in stroke survivors
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gait is crucial for independent living for stroke survivors and assistive devices have been developed to support gait performance. Ankle foot orthosis (AFOs) are commonly provided to stroke survivors to prevent foot drop during walking. However, previous studies have reported limitations of AFOs including them being too heavy, creating skin irritation, and being a stigma of disability. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to compare the gait and balance improvement between elastic band orthosis (EBOs) and AFOs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study design. METHODS: The AFOs and EBOs were provided to 17 stroke survivors, and changes in gait and balance were assessed compared to barefoot (control). Gait spatiotemporal parameters were measured using the zebris-FDM-Rehawalk® system, and balance ability was evaluated using the time up and go test (TUG). Satisfaction with the EBOs was determined using the Quebec user evaluation of satisfaction with assistive technology (QUEST2.0) questionnaire. RESULTS: The EBO showed significant differences in; gait speed, cadence, stride length, stride time, step length unaffected side, stance phase and swing phase on the affected side, and pre-swing on the unaffected side, and balance performance (TUG) (p<0.05) when compared to the AFO and control conditions. The participants were quite satisfied with the EBOs with QUEST2.0 scores greater than 4 out of 5. CONCLUSIONS: EBOs could be provided to stroke survivors given their acceptability and properties to improve gait and balance. The EBO used in this study offered clinically important improvements in gait and balance when compare to AFO and control conditions, and could mitigate against some of the limitations reported in the use of AFOs in stroke survivors.