Article

The effects of tuning the AFO footwear combination (AFOFC) for an adult with
post-stroke hemiplegia were investigated. Gait analysis and tuning were carried
out using a Vicon 3D motion analysis system and two force plates. Tuning of the
AFOFC was accomplished by gradually modifying its design over a number of gait
trials, to achieve optimal (i.e., as close as possible to normal, within the
capability of the patient) knee kinematics and alignment of the Ground Reaction
Force vector (GRF) relative to the knee joint. Heel wedges and a stiff rocker
were used to tune mid-stance and terminal stance, respectively. Temporal-spatial
parameters and selected kinetic and kinematic variables were compared between the
non-tuned AFOFC, the tuned AFOFC immediately after tuning, and the tuned AFOFC
after three months. There were several changes after three months compared to the
non-tuned AFOFC, including improvement in stride length and a reduction in knee
hyperextension. A subjective reduction in knee pain and improvement in function
were also reported. The feasibility and the lack of objective evidence of tuning
AFOFCs as a part of a clinical service need to be addressed in future research.

Langue : ANGLAIS