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Review
. 2013 Nov;25(11):1503-8.
doi: 10.1589/jpts.25.1503. Epub 2013 Dec 11.

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

Luiz Alfredo Braun Ferreira  1 , Hugo Pasini Neto  2 , Luanda André College Grecco  2 , Thaluanna Calil Lourenço Christovão  3 , Natália Almeidacarvalho Duarte  3 , Roberta Delasta Lazzari  3 , Manuela Galli  4 , Claudia Santos Oliveira  5
Affiliations
Review

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

Luiz Alfredo Braun Ferreira et al. J Phys Ther Sci. 2013 Nov.

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.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Flowchart of studies included in review
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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