The effect of anterior ankle-foot orthosis and posterior ankle-foot orthosis on functional ambulation in stroke patients.

Background: The goal of rehabilitation after stroke is to restore safe and sufficient function to hemiplegic patients, and prescription of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) to improve speed and functional ambulation is a part of this program.

Objective: This crossover randomized interventional study aimed to evaluate the effect of an anterior ankle-foot orthosis (AAFO) and posterior leaf-spring ankle-foot orthosis (PLS AFO) on speed and functional ambulation in hemiplegic stroke patients.

Method: Clinical assessments were performed on 11 hemiplegic stroke patients by the AAFO, PLS AFO, and wearing shoes.