Analysis of the time required to wear ankle foot orthosis by stroke patients—Effects of type of orthosis and physical function on wearing time—

Abstract

This study was conducted to clarify whether the type of orthosis and physical function of the patient affect the time of wearing an orthosis, focusing on wearing of ankle foot orthoses by stroke patients. We studied 19 stroke patients in chronic phase, and measured the wearing time using three types of ankle foot orthosis: shoe horn brace, ankle foot orthosis with joint, and Gait Solution Design (GSD). After confirming the effect of the dominant hand, we analyzed the wearing time of each of the orthoses according to Brunnstrom recovery stage. The results showed that the wearing time was shortest for the ankle foot orthosis with joint, and suggest that the mobility of the ankle joint of the orthosis and the position of the lower leg strap affect the wearing time. Wearing the GSD took time, and guidance was required when wearing this orthosis.