Relations between change in gait with plantar flexion braking function of ankle foot orthosis and body functions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to show collective effects of plantar flexion braking function while wearing an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) on whole body movement in stroke gait and to investigate the relations between the change in gait with plantar flexion braking function of the AFO and body functions. For 14 stroke patients, pelvis and upper trunk movements were compared under the following two conditions: in the most improved gait condition (Appropriately controlled plantar flexion while wearing the AFO: AAFO) and in gaits without use of an AFO (No AFO: NAFO). Compared to NAFO, AAFO gaits showed a change in pelvic rotation angle in patients with moderate levels of paralysis who showed the improvement of the heel rocker and ankle rocker functions. This result suggests that plantar flexion braking function while wearing an AFO improved the heel rocker, and the effects altered the ankle rocker function. It was concluded that forward rotation of the pelvis to the non-affected side in initial stance was important for improving hemiplegic gait using the AFO. To increase forward rotation of the pelvis, it is necessary to move the hip and knee joints separatively without synagic pattern.