Usability of the novel ankle training equipment with spring resistance-based plantar press exercises in the standing position: A focus on chronic stroke patients with hemiplegic gait.

Background: To improve gait disability in patients with chronic stroke, ankle muscle strengthening and calf muscle stretching exercises are required. However, currently available ankle training equipment limit ankle exercises based on the position. Recently developed ankle training equipment enables spring resistance-based plantar press exercises to be performed in the standing position with weight support.