Abstract
This study was designed to clarify influences of a short leg brace on knee joint motion of hemiplegic patients with various ankle plantar-flexion limitations.
We had the results of measuring nine normal subjects instead of hemiplegic patients.
Depending upon the increment in plantar-flexion limitation, the results were as follows;
1) The maximal value of the Y-axis acceleration was increased.
2) The maximal value of the Z-axis acceleration was decreased.
3) The knee joint angle and quadriceps femoris I-EMG values were significantly increased.
4) Triceps surae I-EMG showed no change.
These changes were found to occur simultaneously.
Therefore, we suggest that the application of a short leg brace for hemiplegic patients with various ankle planter-flexion limitations should be considered to accelerate the knee joint level and knee joint angle as well as related muscular activities.
