Effect of Pneumatic Compressing Powered Orthosis in Stroke Patients: Preliminary Study.
10.5535/arm.2015.39.2.226
- Author:
Eun Sil KIM
1
;
Yong Soon YOON
;
Min Kyun SOHN
;
Soo Hyun KWAK
;
Jong Ho CHOI
;
Ji Sun OH
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Presbyterian Medical Center, Seonam University College of Medicine, Jeonju, Korea. gvcdr@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Gait;
Orthotic devices;
Hemiplegia
- MeSH:
Ankle;
Brain;
Gait;
Hemiplegia;
Humans;
Muscles;
Orthotic Devices*;
Stroke*;
Walking
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
2015;39(2):226-233
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
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. CONCLUSION: PKAFO may improve gait function in hemiplegic patients. It can be a useful orthosis for gait training in hemiplegic patients.
