<p>Kinematic on Ankle and Knee Joint of Post-Stroke Elderly Patients by Wearing Newly Elastic Band-Type Ankle–Foot Orthosis in Gait</p>

Abstract

PurposeThe post-stroke elderly was increased caused by increasing stroke and advanced medical. However, ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) can be uncomfortable for hemiplegic patients; therefore, the usability is not good. In this study, we analyzed ankle and knee joint angles in post-stroke elderly patients to assess the functional effectiveness (specifically prevention of back knee and drop-foot) of a new elastic band-type AFO (New Product: NP) during gait.Patients and methodsNine elderly post-stroke patients (eight males, one female; 55.7±8.4 years; 165.8±9.2 cm; 68.8±11.5 kg; five with right hemiplegia, four with left hemiplegia; onset period: 6.6 years) were selected for participation in this study. We captured gait motion using 12 cameras (MX-T20, Vicon, Inc., Oxford, UK) under three different conditions [wearing nothing (WI), using existing ordinary AFOs made from hard plastic material (EP), and using NP]. The angle variation and maximum–minimum angle of the lower body joints were analyzed during dorsi-plantar flexion of the ankle joint and flexion–extension of knee joint. A one-way ANOVA test for multiple comparisons was performed, followed by a Tukey’s b test to identify statistical significance, which was set at 0.005.ResultsRegarding the ankle joint, the maximum plantar flexion (drop-foot) value decreased with the NP, and the maximum dorsiflexion value increased. Regarding the knee joint, the maximum extension (back knee) value decreased, and the maximum flexion value increased (p < 0.005).ConclusionUsing analysis of the kinematics of the ankles and knees during walking, this research confirmed the effectiveness of the NP, an elastic band-type AFO, for use in ordinary post-stroke elderly patients.

Effects of Running Surface Stiffness on Three-Segment Foot Kinematics Responses with Different Shod Conditions

“…The sole profile of HS leads to a greater ankle dorsiflexion angle compared to MS during running. A greater dorsiflexion of the ankle raises the knee flexion angle [ 33 ] which correlates to the running efficiency [ 34 ]. A higher flexion also could reduce the peak vertical ground reaction force [ 34 ] because the loadings at the knee and hip joints were decreased.…”

Advances in the clinical application of orthotic devices for stroke and spinal cord injury since 2013

“…Some studies have compared elastic AFO and hard plastic AFO with no AFO. The results showed that compared with patients without orthoses, those with orthotic devices had improved motor function (59,60). Furthermore, elastic band-type AFO could improve foot drop better than hard plastic AFO (59), and postural stability tended to improve (60).…”

“…The results showed that compared with patients without orthoses, those with orthotic devices had improved motor function (59,60). Furthermore, elastic band-type AFO could improve foot drop better than hard plastic AFO (59), and postural stability tended to improve (60). Research has shown that plastic materials may limit the ankle joint, resulting in insufficient ankle dorsiflexion (59).…”

“…Furthermore, elastic band-type AFO could improve foot drop better than hard plastic AFO (59), and postural stability tended to improve (60). Research has shown that plastic materials may limit the ankle joint, resulting in insufficient ankle dorsiflexion (59). Foot drop may require ankle joint stabilization; however, a stiffer material might not provide the best support.…”

The immediate effects of hallux valgus orthoses: A comparison of orthosis designs

“…Study also suggest that softer materials have less mechanical constraint compared to semi-rigid materials. Kim and Won [30] who compared a conventional ankle-foot orthosis with an elastic band-type orthosis for the range of motion of the ankle and knee joint angles during gait found that the latter can perform just as effectively to realign the foot. The subjective assessment result in this study shows that function and comfort are priorities.…”