Effects of a rigid ankle-foot orthosis with lateral flare and shoe modification with lateral heel flare for stroke patients : a pilot study

Abstract

Stability plays a crucial role in performing daily activities. There is an abundance of evidence suggesting that injuries due to falling are related to loss of stability after stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a rigid ankle-foot orthosis with lateral flare and lateral shoe modification with a rigid ankle-foot orthosis on stability, fall risk in hemiparetic stroke patients, and patient satisfaction. Seven stroke patients participated, and static and dynamic stability under three conditions were evaluated: a rigid ankle-foot orthosis with lateral flare (I1), rigid AFO with addition shoe modification with lateral heel flare (I2), and barefoot. The I1 was a tendency towards in balance and stability through symmetry index on in static but no improvement through the mediolateral CoP displacement in static whereas the 2nd intervention (I2) was a tendency towards stability in static. The I1 was a tendency to provide stability in terms of less ML CoP displacement and ML CoP velocity, increased step length and walking speed and reduced risk of falls. But, the I2 was still a risk of falls. And the patients were very satisfied with the I1 more than the I2. Future investigation with larger participants must be performed. IMPLICATION OF THESIS: Suggestions for further research 1. For the further study should enlarge the sample size (n=30). 2. How the effects of the different lengths of lateral flare impact balance and stability on an individual with stroke will be a topic for further study.