Influence of the period from stroke onset to knee ankle foot orthosis fabrication on physical function and ADL capability

Abstract

In patients with post-stroke hemiparesis who were admitted to the convalescent rehabilitation ward and had a knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO) fabricated, we investigated the influence of the period from stroke onset to KAFO fabrication (fabrication period) on physical function and ADL capability. In this cross-sectional study, the association of fabrication period with physical function and ADL capability, and the factors determining practical gait together with their cutoff values were analyzed. A moderate correlation was observed between fabrication period and the Functional Balance Scale (FBS) score at discharge, the neck-trunk-pelvis motor function stage at discharge, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score at discharge, as well as the FIM score improvement rate. In addition, FBS score at discharge and fabrication period were identified as factors determining practical gait, with cutoff values of 28.3 for FBS score at discharge and 60.5 days for fabrication period. These findings indicate that the fabrication period is an important factor that influences physical function and ADL capability.