Abstract
We studied the effects of the presence or absence of AFO (Ankle-Foot Orthosis) on the ability of walking and energy consumption of hemiplegia patients in 6-minute walking using a portable metabolic testing system. The 6-minute walking test with and without AFO was performed by 12 stroke hemiplegia patients who could walk in this care facility. The 6-minute walking distance and speed, oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) while walking were measured. For kinetic energy efficiency while walking, VO2 and the Physiological Cost Index (PCI) per meter were calculated. In a comparison of the figures with and without AFO, significant differences were recognized in walking distance and speed, and VO2 per meter. Also, the PCI with AFO showed a lower value than the PCI without AFO. The results suggest that a stroke hemiplegia patient with motor disorder can improve gait ability by wearing AFO and also lower the energy consumption while walking.
