Can a new ergonomical ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) device improve patients’ daily life? A preliminary study

Abstract

Approximately two-thirds of patients survive following a cerebral vascular accident (stroke), nevertheless about half are left with a physical incapacity. The clinical picture is frequently a combination of motor, sensory, visual and cognitive deficits. Mechanically, the use of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) appear a good option. The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of the AFO on patients having a deficit of dorsi-flexion during gait in the aim to improve their daily lives. Different biomechanical variables were analysed such as parameters of Balance in static position and spatio-temporal (ST) ones in dynamics. Seven patients were enrolled in this study (53.57 ± 16.17 years old, 1.80 ± 0.07 m height and 89 ± 15.06 kg body mass). The pressure force plate used in this experimentation aimed to measure the patients’ behaviors with and without AFO. The results showed a significant impact of AFO in terms of ST analysis (p < 0.05). These results can be related to the fact that the orthosis supports the foot during walking and propels the step during the initial swing phase. In posturography, the results showed that patients increased their balance by using AFO (p < 0.05). This result permits the patients a better expansion of their movements during gait after an immediate benefit.

Keywords:

• Ergonomy
• daily life
• ankle–foot orthosis
• gait
• posture
• patients care

Acknowledgment

The authors gratefully acknowledge the staff of the University Hospital Centre (Sebastopol, Reims, France) for their help and support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Redha Taiar

Redha Taiar holds a PhD degree in Biomechanics. He is a professor at the University of Reims in Champaign, France. His researches focuses on the industry engineering for medicine and high level sports. Dr. Taiar is an engineer for different industries such as Arena for the high-level sport, Sidas and Medicapteur for the medical development. In regards to industry workers, his last work was for the Notrax society conception and validation of anti-fatigue mats. In regards to sports, his last accomplishments focused on the development of suits for triathlon and swimming teams in Brazil Olympic Games (2016) and the suit fabrics for ski teams in Sochi Olympic Games (2014). He is a specialist in biomechanics of health disease and Rehabilitation (www.redha-taiar.com).

Chiboub Adel

Chiboub Adel is a PhD student in human mechanic’s conception biomechanics.

Gael Belassian

Gael Belassian is a doctor in rehabilitation at The Reims Sebastopol Hospital.

Damien Lamare

Damien Lamare is podiatrics specialised in rehabilitation.

Jean Dumont

Jean Dumont is physiotherapist, Phd student at the University of Reims, France.

Antoine Chené

Antoine Chené is a doctor in rehabilitation at The Charleville-Mézières rehabilitation center.

Herve Teyssedre

Herve Teyssedre is podiatrics specialised in rehabilitation.

Alexandre Schneider

Alexandre Schneider Phd student in modelization at the University of Reims, France.

Ellie Abdi

Ellie Abdi Phd in physical health at Montclair State University.

François Constant Boyer

François Constant Boyer professor in rehabilitation at the Hospital Sebastopol Reims.