Effect of pneumatic compressing powered orthosis in stroke patients: preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a knee-ankle-foot orthosis powered by artificial pneumatic muscles (PKAFO).


METHODS
Twenty-three hemiplegic patients (age, 59.6±13.7 years) were assessed 19.7±36.6 months after brain lesion. The 10-m walking time was measured as a gait parameter while the individual walked on a treadmill. Walking speed (m/s), step cycle (cycle/s), and step length (m) were also measured on a treadmill with and without PKAFO, and before and after gait training. Clinical parameters measured before and after gait training included Korean version of Modified Bathel Index (K-MBI), manual muscle test (MMT), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) of hemiplegic ankle. Gait training comprised treadmill walking for 20 minutes, 5 days a week for 3 weeks at a comfortable speed.


RESULTS
The 10-m walking time, walking speed, step length, and step cycle were significantly greater with PKAFO than without PKAFO, and after gait training (both p<0.05). K-MBI was improved after gait training (p<0.05), but MMT and MAS were not.


CONCLUSIONS
PKAFO may improve gait function in hemiplegic patients. It can be a useful orthosis for gait training in hemiplegic patients.
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Presbyterian Medical Center, Seonam University College of Medicine, Jeonju, Korea.
Eun Sil
ES
Kim
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Presbyterian Medical Center, Seonam University College of Medicine, Jeonju, Korea.
Yong-Soon
YS
Yoon
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chungnam University Hospital, Chungnam University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
Min Kyun
MK
Sohn
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Presbyterian Medical Center, Seonam University College of Medicine, Jeonju, Korea.
Soo-Hyun
SH
Kwak
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Presbyterian Medical Center, Seonam University College of Medicine, Jeonju, Korea.
Jong Ho
JH
Choi
Christian Medical Research Center, Presbyterian Medical Center, Jeonju, Korea.
Ji Sun
JS
Oh
Gait; Hemiplegia; Orthotic devices