Effects of ankle-foot orthoses on hemiparetic gait

Objective: Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are widely used to provide optimal ambulation in people with hemiplegia. In this study we evaluated the mechanical effects of metallic and plastic AFOs on severely hemiparetic stroke patients. Methods: Twelve hemiparetic patients were analysed on a Vicon 370 Motion Analysis System. Spatiotemporal, kinematic and kinetic parameters were measured. Results: The two types of orthoses generally had similar positive effects on hemiplegic gait parameters, increasing cadence, walking speed, single and double step length, ankle dorsiflexion angle at heel strike and swing. The metallic AFO was better at increasing the ankle dorsiflexion angle than the plastic AFO. Conclusion: Hemiplegic gait was improved by both orthoses. However, metallic AFOs provided better stabilization of the ankle, allowing improved heel strike and push-off.