2019 Volume 34 Issue 2 Pages 271-274
[Purpose] This paper reports 2 cases of 3D lower limb orthotic therapy for patients with post-stroke hemiplegia using an adjustable plastic knee ankle foot orthotic device, with a view to enhancing the recognition of this method as one of the orthotic therapy approaches. [Participants and Methods] One hemiplegic stroke patient during the early stage of the recovery phase and the other during the maintenance phase were assessed and treated with an adjustable plastic knee ankle foot orthotic device available at hospitals and a raising tool. [Results] The time needed for the patient during the early stage of the recovery phase to walk 10 m decreased from 40 to 7 seconds. He became able to walk outdoor independently in 16 weeks. The time needed for the other patient during the maintenance phase to walk 10 m remained unchanged, but the knee extension angle during the stance phase improved from −25 to 0° in 10 weeks. [Conclusion] 3D lower limb orthotic therapy using adjustable plastic knee ankle foot orthosis may provide a basis for selecting more appropriate orthotic devices.
