title: A new hip-knee-ankle-foot sling: kinematic comparison with a traditional ankle-foot orthosis.
abstract: In this study, we performed a kinematic analysis of a new, low-cost sling for the lower limb, compared to a common ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). Gait with no orthosis, with the AFO, and with the new sling was analyzed in one hemiplegic subject. Both the AFO and the sling reduced the mean angle and ROM (range of movement) of the ankle and the vertical displacement of the center of mass. The sling, but not the AFO, restored the normal sequence heel-strike, forefoot contact of the affected side. The sling, but not the AFO, reduced the affected limb stance and stride duration, increased stride length, and improved walking speed. In conclusion, the proposed sling for the lower limb equally improved the affected ankle kinematics in contrast to the traditional AFO, and it also improved some gait variables in this hemiplegic subject.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rehabilitation, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Work and Rehabilitation, Institute of Care and Scientific Research, via Ferrata 8, 27100 Pavia, Italy. azancan@fsm.it
authors.forename: Arturo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zancan
authors.forename: Maria V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Beretta
authors.forename: Micaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schieppati
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000842:Ankle; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004867:Equipment Design; D005528:Foot; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006615:Hip; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation