Effect of two contemporary tone inhibiting ankle foot orthoses on foot-loading patterns in adult hemiplegics: A small group study.
This study compared the effect of the dynamic ankle foot orthos is (DAFO) and the Utley foot orthosis (UFO) on foot loading patterns in five hemiplegic subjects. An A-B-B-A single subject design was used. Foot loading data were collected in three sessions, which were separated by a two-week wearing time for each orthosis. The DAFO produced significantly greater force and force-time integrals through the lateral forefoot, with a progression of weightbearing through the central forefoot at toe-off. This study failed to demonstrate significant foot loading pattern changes relevant to use of the UFO, but trends in the data suggest that this orthosis generates greater force, area, and force-time integrals through the medial heel.
a Associate Professor Physical Therapy Department Northern Arizona University Flagstaff , Arizona.
K
K
Mueller
a Associate Professor Physical Therapy Department Northern Arizona University Flagstaff , Arizona.
M
M
Cornwall
a Associate Professor Physical Therapy Department Northern Arizona University Flagstaff , Arizona.
T
T
McPoil
b David G. Mueller, PT, CPO, Inc . Flagstaff , Arizona.
D
D
Mueller
c Senior Physical Therapist Physical Therapy Department St Joseph Hospital Phoenix , Arizona.
C
C
Sartor-Glittenberg
foot loading patterns; gait; hemiplegia; lower extremity; orthotics