The effect of the stability of the free ankle joint on the gait balance of chronic stroke patients by the ankle foot orthosis

Abstract

Stroke patients have high foot instability and a high risk of falling down in walking and standing positions due to muscle and sensory disorders. There are many patients who complain of inconvenience in their daily lives, but independent walking is very difficult. In this work, we explore the effect on walking and dynamic balance by securing internal and external stability of the foot. Fifteen participants participated in the experiment, with 10m walk tests, timed and go tests, and functional reach tests. The walk 10m test was not statistically significant, with 0.59 ± 0.23 m/s before the device was worn and 0.66 ± 0.29 m/s after the device was worn. Timed up and Go tests were statistically significant 26.57 ± 6.12 seconds before wearing the device, 22.31 ± 4.32 seconds after wearing the device, 222.59 ± 10.31 cm before wearing the device, and 230.93 ± 11.33 cm after wearing the device. Securing internal and external stability of the foot can have a positive impact on securing a dynamic balance in which weight movement is performed.