Orthosis/Assistive Device

• Orthoses is defined as an externally applied deviced used to modify structual and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular system.

• The majority of stroke patients will use some form of ankle foot orthoses (AFO) for stability, safety and efficiency of walking.

• Patients who are dragging their foot [drop foot] due to reduced dorsiflexion strength or are unable to lift their leg to swing the foot through because of reduced hip flexion — or a combination of both — may be candidates for an AFO.

Orthosis/Assistive Device

• Prerequisites in prescribing an AFO:– Biochemical gait mechanisms underlying gait

dysfunction have been identified– Relative contribution of active and passive soft

tissue component has been determined– Othotic device fits, neither allowing unwanted

movement nor restricting desired motion, and can be shown to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of gait for that individual.