A case of improvement of walking ability by using an ankle foot orthosis with heel height in a chronic stroke patient with hemiplegia combined with equinus foot contracture : A long-term report

Abstract

Although ankle foot orthosis (AFO) with heel height has been used to improve the walking ability of post-stroke patients with hemiplegia accompanied by equinus foot contracture, there is no long-term report regarding their walking ability. In this report, we present the one-year clinical course and the outcome of a chronic stroke patient with equinus foot contracture who used an AFO with heal height and underwent physiotherapy. A man in his 60s had cardiogenic cerebral embolism 9 years ago. He had left hemiplegia combined with equinus foot contracture, and required supervision while walking without use of orthosis. An AFO with heal height and physiotherapy were prescribed with the purpose to improve walking ability. The equinus foot improved slightly, heel contact became possible by using the AFO with heel height. He acquired walking independence both indoors and outdoors, which was maintained for one year. Short-term intensive physiotherapy was conducted three times. Although improvement in walking speed was observed each time, therapy was not continued. Use of an AFO with heel height was effective in improving gait and walking independence in a chronic stroke patient with hemiplegia combined with equinus foot contracture.