Effect of elbow-wrist functional orthosis on plantar pressure and balance function in stroke patients with hemiplegia
10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2026.01.004
- VernacularTitle:肘腕功能支具对脑卒中偏瘫患者足底压力和平衡功能的效果
- Author:
Cheng WU
1
;
Yunfeng ZHANG
2
;
Weining WANG
2
;
Kewei YU
2
;
Yanzheng ZHANG
3
;
Jiarong SHEN
3
;
Yi WU
2
Author Information
1. Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
2. Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
3. Shanghai Hebin Rehabilitation Hospital, Shanghai 201702, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
stroke;
hemiplegia;
orthosis;
plantar pressure;
lower limb motor function
- From:
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice
2026;32(1):30-39
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of elbow-wrist functional orthosis on plantar pressure distribution and balance function in stroke patients with hemiplegia. MethodsFrom June, 2024 to April, 2025, 60 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia were recruited from Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, and Shanghai Hebin Rehabilitation Hospital. They were randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and intervention group (n = 30). The control group received routine neurological rehabilitation, while the intervention group received additional training with an elbow-wrist functional orthosis on the affected side, for eight weeks. Before and after intervention, the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) of the elbow joint, plantar pressure symmetry index (SI), plantar contact area and mean plantar pressure were recorded, and balance and mobility were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go Test (TUGT) and 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). ResultsTwo cases dropped out in the control group. After treatment, MAS grades of the elbow joint, forefoot SI, affected side plantar pressure area, BBS scores, TUGT and 10MWT of both groups improved (|Z| > 3.969, |t| > 3.528, P < 0.01), while the hindfoot SI and average pressure of the affected foot improved in the intervention group (∣t∣ > 4.264, P < 0.001). Except for TUGT and 10MWT, the intervention group was superior to the control group (∣Z∣ > 2.030, ∣t∣ > 2.096, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe elbow-wrist functional orthosis can enhance balance function in stroke patients with hemiplegia by reducing upper-limb spasticity, optimizing center-of-gravity distribution, and improving postural control.
