Effect of Dynamic AFOs on Three Hemiplegic Adults

Three hemiplegic adults with cerebral vascular accidents (CVAs) were fitted with plantarflexion-stop dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (DAFOs). Explanations of the rationale, modifications, trimlines and fabrication techniques of the DAFO, including cited references, are provided. A single-session design with multiple trials was carried out using a randomly assigned order to compare stride characteristics in each of the following conditions: barefoot, with prefabricated AFOs and with DAFOs. Footswitch stride analysis was used to collect, measure and analyze the time-distance parameter data. The results of the data collection were gathered, analyzed and documented retrospectively, and the results displayed an increase in walking velocity, stride length, cadence and single-limb support on the affected side when using the DAFO. These results may explain the DAFO's current popularity as an alternative treatment to conventional thermoplastic orthoses.