Combined Effects of an Ankle-Foot Orthosis with Oil Damper and Triceps Surae Muscle Training on a Patient with Hemiplegia

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this research is to investigate the combined effects of an ankle foot orthosis with oil damper (AFO-OD) and triceps surae muscle training on the gait of a chronic stroke patient. [Subjects] A 77-year-old man with left hemiplegia was recruited for this study. [Methods] Outcomes were assessed using the ten-meter walking test and the six-minute walking test. The subject underwent triceps surae muscle training for 3 months. [Results] AFO-OD had immediate effects on gait. Maximum walking speed and 6-minute walking distance increased with the AFO-OD. The combined effects were improvements in maximum walking speed and step length. [Conclusion] AFO-OD and triceps surae muscle training improved the walking ability of a chronic stroke patient.