Ingenuity and practice to improve the wearing of ankle-foot orthosis for two hemiparesis stroke individuals

Abstract

Objective: We report on an ingenuity aimed at improving the wearing of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) in two individuals with hemiparesis following a stroke.

Methods: Case 1 (right hemiparesis) adopted a quick ring when making an AFO for himself, and a hook and loop fastener was affixed to the outside of the foot to make it easier to pass the belt through the ring. In addition, the belt was prevented from being trapped under the foot. Case 2 (left hemiparesis) practiced wearing the AFO standing up on the floor, and the AFO belt was labeled with an installation number sticker and a procedure manual was presented to make the wearing procedure visually confirmed.

Results: Case 1 showed short wearing time and improved ease of wearing and attachment to the AFO after the AFO was made for the individuals. Case 2 became walking short distances independently, including AFO self-attachment movements.

Conclusion: We were ingenious a method of wearing AFO for hemiparesis stroke individuals. As a result, the independence of self-wearing, wearing time, and ease of wearing improved.