The effect of hinged ankle-foot orthosis on gait and energy expenditure in spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Purpose.?To assess the effectiveness of a hinged ankle-foot orthoses on gait impairments and energy expenditure in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) whom orthoses were indicated to control equines.

Method.?Eleven children (seven males, four females) who had a diagnosis of hemiplegic cerebral palsy were included in the study. Each child underwent gait analysis and energy consumption studies with and without ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). The AFOs were all custom-made for the individual child and had plantarflexion stop at 0° with no dorsoflexion stop. The Vicon 512 Motion analysis system was used for gait analysis. Walking energy expenditure measurements were done with breath by breath method using an open-circuit indirect calorimeter (Vmax 29c, Sensormedics, USA). All tests were carried out on the same day with enough resting period.

Results.?AFO application, as compared with the barefoot condition improved walking speed, stride length and single support time. Double support time was decreased significantly with AFOs and no change in cadance. Ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact, midstance and midswing showed significiant increase. Knee flexion at initial contact was decreased and no significant change in maximum knee extension at stance and maximum knee flexion at swing was obtained. The oxygen consumption was significantly reduced during AFO walking.

Conclusion.?The hinged AFO is useful in controlling dynamic equinus deformity and reducing the energy expenditure of gait in children with hemiplegic spastic cerebral palsy.     

The effect of hinged ankle-foot orthosis on gait and energy expenditure in spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Purpose. To assess the effectiveness of a hinged ankle-foot orthoses on gait impairments and energy expenditure in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) whom orthoses were indicated to control equines.

Method. Eleven children (seven males, four females) who had a diagnosis of hemiplegic cerebral palsy were included in the study. Each child underwent gait analysis and energy consumption studies with and without ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). The AFOs were all custom-made for the individual child and had plantarflexion stop at 0° with no dorsoflexion stop. The Vicon 512 Motion analysis system was used for gait analysis. Walking energy expenditure measurements were done with breath by breath method using an open-circuit indirect calorimeter (Vmax 29c, Sensormedics, USA). All tests were carried out on the same day with enough resting period.

Results. AFO application, as compared with the barefoot condition improved walking speed, stride length and single support time. Double support time was decreased significantly with AFOs and no change in cadance. Ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact, midstance and midswing showed significiant increase. Knee flexion at initial contact was decreased and no significant change in maximum knee extension at stance and maximum knee flexion at swing was obtained. The oxygen consumption was significantly reduced during AFO walking.

Conclusion. The hinged AFO is useful in controlling dynamic equinus deformity and reducing the energy expenditure of gait in children with hemiplegic spastic cerebral palsy.     

Contribution of ankle-foot orthosis moment in regulating ankle and knee motions during gait in individuals post-stroke

BackgroundAnkle-foot orthosis moment resisting plantarflexion has systematic effects on ankle and knee joint motion in individuals post-stroke. However, it is not known how much ankle-foot orthosis moment is generated to regulate their motion. The aim of this study was to quantify the contribution of an articulated ankle-foot orthosis moment to regulate ankle and knee joint motion during gait in individuals post-stroke.MethodsGait data were collected from 10 individuals post-stroke using a Bertec split-belt instrumented treadmill and a Vicon 3-dimensional motion analysis system. Each participant wore an articulated ankle-foot orthosis whose moment resisting plantarflexion was adjustable at four levels. Ankle-foot orthosis moment while walking was calculated under the four levels based on angle-moment relationship of the ankle-foot orthosis around the ankle joint measured by bench testing. The ankle-foot orthosis moment and the joint angular position (ankle and knee) relationship in a gait cycle was plotted to quantify the ankle-foot orthosis moment needed to regulate the joint motion.FindingsAnkle and knee joint motion were regulated according to the amount of ankle-foot orthosis moment during gait. The ankle-foot orthosis maintained the ankle angular position in dorsiflexion and knee angular position in flexion throughout a gait cycle when it generated moment from − 0.029 (0.011) to − 0.062 (0.019) Nm/kg (moment resisting plantarflexion was defined as negative).InterpretationsQuantifying the contribution of ankle-foot orthosis moment needed to regulate lower limb joints within a specific range of motion could provide valuable criteria to design an ankle-foot orthosis for individuals post-stroke.     

矫形鞋垫联合踝足矫形器对偏瘫患者步行功能的影响

目的 探讨国际生物力学学院（ICB）矫形鞋垫联合踝足矫形器（AFO）对偏瘫患者步行功能的影响。 方法 选取40例脑卒中偏瘫患者按随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,每组20例,2组患者均给予常规药物治疗及康复干预,在此基础上,对照组患者接受AFO步行康复治疗,观察组患者接受ICB矫形鞋垫联合AFO治疗。分别于治疗前和治疗4周后（治疗后）,采用起立和行走计时测试(TUGT)、10m最快步行速度(10m MWS)测试以及Berg平衡量表(BBS)测试对2组患者的步行功能进行评定,并进行统计学分析比较。 结果 治疗前,2组患者的TUGT、10m MWS、BBS评分组间比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。经4周治疗后,2组患者的TUGT、MWS和BBS评分均较组内治疗前有明显改善［对照组TUGT（P=0.014）、MWS（P=0.021）、BBS（P=0.025）;观察组TUGT（P=0.008）、MWS（P=0.004）、BBS（P=0.005）］;治疗后,观察组患者的TUGT、10m MWS和BBS评分分别为（21.2±6.5）s、（49.4±5.7）m/min和（50.8±6.1）分,其改善幅度明显优于对照组［TUGT（25.4±4.5）s、10m MWS（41.6±5.6）m/min、BBS评分（45.5±5.2）分］,且组间差异有统计学意义［TUGT（P=0.036）、MWS（P=0.017）、BBS（P=0.016）］。 结论 ICB矫形鞋垫联合AFO较单独应用AFO能更好地改善偏瘫患者步行功能。     

背屈踝足矫形器对偏瘫步态时空参数的影响

目的:通过对穿戴不同角度踝足矫形器(AFO)偏瘫患者的步态分析,探讨不同角度AFO对偏瘫步态时空参数的影响。方法:对9例偏瘫患者背屈5°、0°位AFO与裸足进行步态对比分析,获取步态参数。结果:背屈5°AFO(DAFO)与裸足相比,能显著增加患者步长(P0.01)、步速(P0.01)、步幅(P0.05)和步频(P0.05),减少步长时间(P0.01)和步幅时间(P0.05)。0°位AFO(功能位,FAFO)与裸足相比能显著增加步幅(P0.05)。背屈5°与0°AFO相比能显著提高患者步速(P0.05),减少步长时间(P0.05)和步幅时间(P0.05)。两种角度AFO对偏瘫患者步态双侧对称性的改善均不显著。结论:背屈5°AFO能有效地改善患者步速、步长、步幅和步频。     

踝足矫形器数学模型、应用处方及其早期应用对脑卒中患者偏瘫步态影响的趋势分析

随着多体系统动力学理论和计算机技术的发展,矫形器的计算机辅助设计和制造(CAD/CAM)技术已经日趋成熟,利用这项新技术可建立人体和矫形器的数学力学模型,通过模拟计算来确定矫形器处方、预测疗效和康复效果.踝足矫形器(AFO)早期应用对于脑卒中患者脑功能恢复、偏瘫步态恢复以及对于纠正异常步态起重要作用,在康复临床矫形器处方中,建立相应的数学模型,推测足踝功能变化和脑卒中后脑功能恢复的作用和机制,这对偏瘫步态的分析、矫形器的设计和患者步态的恢复等方面都会产生积极影响.     

佩戴踝足矫形器对痉挛型脑性瘫痪儿童足底压力步态的作用

背景:由于设计及方法的差异,佩戴蹀足矫形器对脑性瘫痪(脑瘫)儿童步行时运动学、运动力学、能耗等各方面的影响尚未取得统一的结果.目的:观察佩戴踝足矫形器对痉挛型脑瘫患儿足底压力步态特征的影响.方法:采用足底压力式步态分析系统对21例具有独立步行能力的痉挛型脑瘫儿童进行步态分析.分别记录同一天内、同一时间段、同一种身体状态下不佩戴踝足矫形器及佩戴踝足矫形器步行时每例脑瘫患儿足底压力式步态分析数据,包括时间参数、运动学参数以及各参数的绝对对称性指标,并进行对比.记录双足的足底压力重心偏移轨迹作为步行能力的定性直观观察指标,对比佩戴支具前后的足底压力重心偏移轨迹图并做对照描述.结果与结论:与未佩戴踝足矫形器相比,佩戴踝足矫形器使痉挛型脑瘫患儿步态周期时间缩短,步频增加(P<0.01).佩戴踝足矫形器步行时脑瘫儿童单足支撑期、单侧支撑期、单足摆动期、步态周期时间的绝对对称性指标值均较未佩戴矫形器时显著减少(P<0.05).痉挛型脑瘫儿童步行时双足的足底压力重心偏移轨迹表现出无序的特性,不能形成左右对称的蝴蝶状轨迹图.佩戴踝足矫形器后,足底压力中心偏移轨迹比未佩戴时有序,尖足步态患儿佩戴踝足矫形器后患足的足底压力偏移轨迹起始点后移.结果提示痉挛型脑瘫儿童佩戴踝足矫形器后步态周期时间缩短,步频增加,步态对称性改善,总体步行能力得到提高.足底压力式步态分析系统能以客观精确的数据和直观的图表表达,是评定脑瘫儿童步行能力的一种新型测试手段.     

The effects of an articulated ankle-foot orthosis with resistance-adjustable joints on lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics during gait in individuals post-stroke

BackgroundResistance is a key mechanical property of an ankle-foot orthosis that affects gait in individuals post-stroke. Triple Action® joints allow independent adjustment of plantarflexion resistance and dorsiflexion resistance of an ankle-foot orthosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of incremental changes in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion resistance of an articulated ankle-foot orthosis with the Triple Action joints on lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics in individuals post-stroke during gait.MethodsGait analysis was performed on 10 individuals who were post-stroke under eight resistance settings (four plantarflexion and four dorsiflexion resistances) using the articulated ankle-foot orthosis. Kinematic and kinetic data of the lower limb joints were recorded while walking using a three-dimensional Vicon motion capture system and a Bertec split-belt instrumented treadmill.FindingsRepeated measures analysis of variance revealed that adjustment of plantarflexion resistance had significant main effects on the ankle (P < 0.001) and knee (P < 0.05) angles at initial contact, while dorsiflexion resistance had significant (P < 0.01) main effects on the peak dorsiflexion angle in stance. Plantarflexion and dorsiflexion resistance adjustments appeared to affect the peak knee flexor moment in stance, but no significant main effects were revealed (P = 0.10). Adjustment of plantarflexion resistance also demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) main effects in the peak ankle positive power in stance.InterpretationThis study demonstrated that the adjustments of resistance in the ankle-foot orthosis with the Triple Action joints influenced ankle and knee kinematics in individuals post-stroke. Further work is necessary to investigate the long-term effects of the articulated ankle-foot orthoses on their gait.     

Effect of ankle-foot orthoses on walking efficiency and gait in children with cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of ankle-foot orthoses on walking efficiency and gait in a heterogeneous group of children with cerebral palsy, using barefoot walking as the control condition. DESIGN: A retrospective study. METHODS: Barefoot and ankle-foot orthosis data for 172 children with spastic cerebral palsy (mean age 9 years; hemiplegia: 21, diplegia: 97, and quadriplegia: 54) were compared. These data consisted of non-dimensional speed, net non- dimensional energy cost of walking (NN-cost), and NN-cost as a percentage of speed-matched controls (NN-cost(pct)). For 80 of these children the Gillette Gait Index and data for 3D gait kinematics and kinetics were also analyzed. RESULTS: Speed was 9% faster (p<0.001), NN-cost was 6% lower (p=0.007), and NN-cost(pct) was 9% lower (p=0.022) when walking with an ankle-foot orthosis. The Gillette Gait Index remained unchanged (p=0.607). Secondary subgroup analysis for involvement pattern showed a significant improvement in NN-cost(pct) only for quadriplegics (20%, p=0.004), whereas it remained unchanged for patients with hemiplegia and diplegia. Changes in the minimum knee flexion angle in stance phase and in terminal swing were found to be significantly related to the change in NN-cost(pct) (p=0.013 and p=0.022, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of an ankle-foot orthosis resulted in a significant decrease in the energy cost of walking of quadriplegic children with cerebral palsy, compared with barefoot walking, whereas it remained unchanged in hemiplegic and diplegic children with cerebral palsy. Energy cost reduction was related to both a faster and more efficient walking pattern. The improvements in efficiency were reflected in changes of stance and swing phase knee motion, i.e. those children whose knee flexion angle improved toward the typical normal range demonstrated a decrease in energy cost of walking, and vice versa.     

Effect of ankle-foot orthosis on weight bearing of chronic stroke patients performing various functional standing tasks

[Purpose] This study examined how an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) influences the weight-bearing of chronic stroke patients during the performance of five functional standing tasks. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen patients with stroke participated in this experiment. The subjects performed functional standing tasks with or without the AFO and weight bearing was measured during the tasks. [Results] Patients showed increased weight-bearing ability on the affected side during wearing the AFO in all tasks, and there were significant differences among Tasks 1, 2, and 3. Patients showed a small amount of increased weight bearing on the unaffected side while wearing the AFO in all tasks except for Task 2. [Conclusion] ADL-related functional standing tasks with AFO increased the weight bearing.Key words: Ankle-foot orthosis, Weight bearing, Functional standing tasks     

Effect of treadmill walking with ankle stretching orthosis on ankle flexibility and gait

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the kinematics of the ankle in thelunge to estabilish effectiveness of an ankle stretching orthosis (ASO) on the ankledorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) of individuals with limited dorsiflexion ROM. [Subjectsand Methods] Forty ankles with decreased dorsiflexion ROM of 20 participants wereevaluated in this study. After wearing the ASO, participants walked on a treadmill for 15minutes. Participants walked on the treadmill at a self-selected comfortable speed. Ankledorsiflexion ROM, maximum dorsiflexion ROM before heel-off, and time to heel-off duringthe stance phase of gait were measured before and after 15 minutes of treadmill walkingwith the ASO. The differences in all variables between before and after treadmill walkingwith ASO were analyzed using the paired t-test. [Results] Ankle active and passive ROM,and dorsiflexion ROM during lunge increased significantly after treadmill walking withASO. Treadmill walking with the ASO significantly increased the angle of maximaldorsiflexion before heel-off and time to heel-off during the stance phase. [Conclusion]The results of this study show that treadmill walking with the ASO effectively improvedankle flexibility and restored the normal gait pattern of the ankle joint by increasingdorsiflexion ROM, maximal angle of dorsiflexion, and time to heel-off in the stancephase.     

可调节踝足矫形器配合针灸对脑出血偏瘫患者足畸形及步行能力的影响

目的：探讨可调节踝足矫形器配合针灸治疗在脑出血偏瘫患者足畸形及步行能力改善方面的影响。方法：86例脑出血偏瘫患者随机分为观察组和对照组各43例。对照组在常规治疗基础上配合针灸治疗,观察组在对照组基础上配戴可调节踝足矫形器。治疗6周后统计足下垂及足内翻畸形率,治疗前后采用Berg平衡量表（BBS）、改良Barthel指数（MBI）和Holden功能步行分级（FAC）进行评定。结果：治疗6周后,观察组患者足下垂或足内翻畸形较对照组明显减少（P<0.05）。治疗后,2组患者BBS及MBI评分均较治疗前明显提高（均P<0.05）,且观察组明显高于对照组（均P<0.05）。治疗后,2组患者FAC分级均较治疗前明显提高（均P<0.05）,且观察组FAC分级明显优于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：可调节踝足矫形器配合针灸治疗可有效减少脑出血偏瘫患者的足下垂和足内翻畸形,改善平衡能力、步行功能和提高日常生活活动能力。     

下肢矫形器疗法对脑卒中偏瘫患者运动功能恢复的影响

目的:观察下肢矫形器疗法与运动疗法相结合,对脑卒中患者下肢运动功能障碍改善恢复的影响。方法:2002-04/2003-12在十堰市中医院假肢矫形中心接受治疗的脑卒中偏瘫患者67例。分为下肢矫形器疗法康复组35例和常规康复组32例,下肢矫形器康复组根据患者的运动功能情况选择用膝踝足矫形器(knee-ankel-foot-orthosis,KAFO)或踝足矫形器(ankle-foot-orthosis,AFO),并与运动疗法相结合的治疗方法,常规康复组采用常规运动疗法。结果:经佩带矫形器KAFO或AFO结合运动疗法。经两三个月的治疗后,矫形器康复组总有效率为97%,常规康复组总有效率为81%,经统计学处理,差异有非常显著性意义(P<0.01)。结论:下肢矫形器疗法可以促进脑卒中偏瘫患者运动功能的改善及恢复。     

Use of computerized insole sensor system to evaluate the efficacy of a modified ankle-foot orthosis for redistributing heel pressures

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of orthosis purported to decrease pressure on the heel while walking. DESIGN: The Multipodus System is an orthotic device, designed for this purpose, that can be worn with flat or rocker bottom boot. Ten subjects underwent four trials: first, an initial walk wearing their usual shoes, then using the orthosis on the left, with a flat bottom boot, then with a rocker bottom boot, and a final walk. Pressures exerted on the plantar surface of the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot were measured electronically and analyzed. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Ten consecutive normal subjects were tested on a conventional tile floor in a gait laboratory. RESULTS: Peak pressures in the initial walk averaged: heel, 9.6 +/- 2.3psi; midfoot, 2.6 +/- 1.7psi; and forefoot, 10.3 +/- 2.6psi. Pressures on the foot were redistributed significantly when the orthosis was used. Heel pressure was reduced significantly compared to the ordinary shoes using both the flat bottom boot (5.0 +/- 1.2psi, a decrease of 48% [p = .0001]) and the rocker bottom boot (4.5 +/- 1.5psi, a decrease of 53% [p = .0001]). Pressure was increased at the midfoot with both the flat bottom boot (6.6 +/- 3.2psi, an increase of 61% [p = .0001]) and the rocker bottom boot (6.8 +/- 2.9psi, an increase of 62% [p = .0001]). Pressures at the forefoot decreased 19% (8.3psi) with the flat bottom boot and 32% (7.0psi; p = .0003) with the rocker bottom boot. CONCLUSIONS: Redistribution of pressure on the foot with orthosis is characterized by reduction at the hindfoot and forefoot and increase at the midfoot with both the flat and rocker bottom boots, thereby promoting healing of calcaneal and forefoot ulcers. The integrity of the midfoot, however, must not be compromised.     

肩部矫形器在脑卒中后异常步态康复中的研究进展

脑卒中后偏瘫通常对人体运动能力和稳定性产生不利影响,患者常因肌无力、双侧肢体肌张力失衡、感觉异常、关节和姿势控制不良等出现肩关节半脱位、异常步态。肩部矫形器常用于脑卒中偏瘫的早期预防或治疗肩关节半脱位,但目前仍存在争议。为探索肩部矫形器除预防和治疗肩关节半脱位外的作用,为肩部矫形器的选择及佩戴提供理论依据,该文阐述了肩部矫形器可能改善脑卒中后异常步态的机制,分类对比不同类型肩部矫形器对脑卒中后异常步态的矫正效果。     

Effect of ankle-foot orthosis on roll-over shape in adults with hemiplegia

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are intended to improve toe clearance during swing and ankle position at initial contact (IC) and midstance. Changes that lead to improved ankle-foot kinematics may result in a more biomimetic roll-over shape (ROS). ROS is the effective geometry to which the ankle-foot complex conforms between IC and contralateral IC. An effective ROS during gait may facilitate forward progression. This study investigated the effect of an AFO on ROS in adults with hemiplegia following stroke. Kinematic and force data were recorded from 13 people with hemiplegia and 12 controls. Hemiplegic subjects walked at a self-selected speed with and without an articulated AFO with plantar flexion stop. For the involved limb, the AFO significantly increased the ROS arc length (from 32.6% to 55.7% of foot length [FL]) and arc radius (67.4% to 139.3% of FL) and significantly altered the sagittal plane location of the first center of pressure (COP) point, moving it posterior to the ankle center (-1.2% to -20% of FL) (p < 0.002 for all comparisons). However, when hemiplegic patients walked with an AFO, their mean arc radius was greater, mean arc length less, and the first COP point further posterior than those of control subjects.     

Immediate effects of an individually designed functional ankle-foot orthosis on stance and gait in hemiparetic patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate effects of individually designed functional in-shoe ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) made of soft and hard cast on balance, standing, and gait parameters in hemiparetic patients. DESIGN: Crossover design with randomized order of the intervention. SETTING: A rehabilitation centre for adults with neurological disorders. SUBJECTS: Twenty-eight patients with hemiparesis due to stroke or traumatic brain injury. MEASURES: Postural sway, standing and gait parameters based on ground reaction forces in two conditions: Patients were randomly assigned to varying sequences of wearing AFO in footwear or wearing footwear alone. RESULTS: AFO significantly improved weight-bearing on the affected leg (affected/ unaffected side symmetry: 2.25 +/- 1.5 with AFO versus 3.4 +/- 2.5 without AFO, P<0.05) and postural sway in stance (12.5 mm +/- 5.2 with AFO versus 15.7 mm +/- 6.7 without AFO, P < 0.05), double stance duration (21.1 +/-14.4% of gait cycle with AFO versus 25.9 +/- 21.6% of gait cycle without AFO, P < 0.05), and symmetry ratios of gait parameters such as stance duration (2.0 +/- 1.5 s with AFO versus 3.3 +/- 3.6 s without AFO, P < 0.05) and deceleration forces (1.6 +/- 0.5 with AFO versus 1.9 +/- 0.6 without AFO, P < 0.05) during gait. No significant differences were observed in all other symmetry ratios of gait parameters. CONCLUSION: An individually designed functional in-shoe AFO can improve stance and gait parameters, even in a single use, in patients with hemiparesis.     

早期使用踝足矫形器对脑卒中偏瘫患者步行功能影响的表面肌电信号研究

摘要 目的：观察早期应用佩戴踝足矫形器（AFO）进行康复训练治疗脑卒中患者偏瘫步态的临床疗效。 方法：将63例脑卒中患者随机分为治疗组（Z组）和对照组（D组）。两组均按常规予以对症支持治疗和康复治疗,治疗组在对照组基础上加用AFO,康复训练4周后进行评定。治疗前后分别采用二维步态分析仪、表面肌电图机及相应量表评定两组患者的步行能力（包括步态参数及步行功能分级）、踝关节控制肌群（胫前肌及腓肠肌外侧头）的积分肌电值（iEMG）、运动功能、平衡功能、日常生活活动能力。 结果：治疗前后对比,治疗组步行能力的差异有显著性意义（P＜0.01）;对照组步行能力的差异也有显著性意义（P＜0.01）。治疗后治疗组步行能力、下肢运动功能、平衡功能、日常生活活动能力、踝关节控制肌群肌力与对照组相比差异有显著性意义（P＜0.05）,治疗组优于对照组。 结论：早期佩戴AFO能够促进偏瘫患者步行能力、平衡功能、运动功能、日常生活活动能力、踝关节控制肌群肌力的恢复。