The influence of ankle-foot orthoses (AFO's) on the ambulation during the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in chronic stroke patients

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: To determine the influence of ankle-foot orthoses (AFO's) on the ambulation capacity and gait pattern during the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in chronic stroke patients. Design: Observational study Methods: Chronic stroke patients (n=15) from an outpatient rehabilitation service have participated. Thirteen participants completed 6MWT in three different conditions: Without an AFO, wearing a prefabricated AFO (Maramed) or an individualized AFO (Y-Tech). Heart rate (bpm) and covered distance (m) per minute were tracked. Spatio-temporal parameters were recorded before and after the 6MWT by use of the GAITRite® system. A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) concerning fatigue was filled out. Participants were divided into a with assistive device subgroup (AD-group; TUG '20s) or a without assistive device subgroup (Without AD-group; TUG <20s). Results: Significant effects in motor and sensory descriptive tests were found between the subgroups, whereas the general patient characteristics were homogenous. Significant improvements (p <0,05) in total distance covered (m) were found in favour of the Y-Tech, in both the total group and the AD-group. Only small and inconsistent results were found concerning heart rate and spatio-temporal parameters. Conclusions: An individualised AFO (Y-Tech) can increase the covered distance during the 6MWT and thereby improve functional ambulation in stroke patients (more than a standardized Maramed). Stroke patients with relatively higher degree of functionality, benefit less from an A