Comparison of gait analysis between anterior and posterior ankle foot orthosis in hemiplegic patients.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes in gait patterns and Berg Balance Scale in hemiplegic patients with anterior or posterior ankle foot orthosis.

DESIGN

The subjects comprised 17 hemiplegic patients who could walk independently with a cane. Gait analysis and Berg Balance Scale scores were assessed barefoot and while wearing anterior or posterior ankle foot orthosis, with a motion analysis system used to collect kinematic data.

RESULTS

We observed increased walking speed, stride length, and velocity in both ankle foot orthoses compared with barefoot subjects. Excessive ankle plantar flexions at stance and swing phase were decreased after wearing anterior or posterior ankle foot orthoses. Gait analysis did not differ significantly between the anterior and posterior ankle foot orthoses. Berg Balance Scale scores did not differ significantly for barefoot and with anterior or posterior ankle foot orthosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Wearing anterior ankle foot orthosis was as useful as posterior ankle foot orthosis for correcting hemiplegic gait.