Effect of Ankle-foot Orthosis on Gait Velocity and Cadence of Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review

Luiz Alfredo Braun Ferreira, Hugo Pasini Neto, Luanda André College Grecco, Thaluanna Calil Lourenço Christovão, Natália Almeidacarvalho Duarte, Roberta Delasta Lazzari, Manuela Galli, Claudia Santos Oliveira, Luiz Alfredo Braun Ferreira, Hugo Pasini Neto, Luanda André College Grecco, Thaluanna Calil Lourenço Christovão, Natália Almeidacarvalho Duarte, Roberta Delasta Lazzari, Manuela Galli, Claudia Santos Oliveira

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of an ankle-foot orthosis on gait variables (velocity and cadence) of stroke patients. To do this, a systematic review was conducted of four databases. [Subjects and Methods] The papers identified were evaluated based on the following inclusion criteria: 1) design: controlled, clinical trial; 2) population: stroke patients; 3) intervention: analysis of spatiotemporal variables of gait with an ankle-foot orthosis; 4) control group with different intervention or no intervention; and 5) outcome: improvement in gait velocity or cadence. [Results] Thirteen controlled trials addressing the effect of an ankle-foot orthosis on gait variables of stroke patients were found. They exhibited methodological quality of 3 or more points on the PEDro scale. [Conclusion] While the findings suggest the benefits of an AFO regarding gait velocity, the impact of this type of orthosis on cadence remains inconclusive. Thus, there is a need for further well-designed randomized, controlled, clinical trials to establish better scientific evidence for the effects of AFO usage on gait variables of stroke patients.

Keywords: Gait; Orthosis; Stroke.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Flowchart of studies included in review

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