Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a temporary high custom made orthopaedic
shoe on functional mobility, walking speed, and gait characteristics in
hemiplegic stroke patients. In addition, interference of attentional demands and
patient satisfaction were studied. DESIGN: Clinical experimental study. SETTING:
University Medical Centre. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen stroke patients (12 males; mean
age 55 years (standard deviation (SD) 10 years); mean time post onset 3.6 months
(SD 1.4 months)) with a spastic paresis of the lower extremity. MAIN OUTCOME
MEASURES: Functional mobility was assessed with the timed up and go test, walking
speed and gait characteristics were measured with clinical gait analysis and
performed with and without a verbal dual task. Patient satisfaction was
determined with a questionnaire. RESULTS: Walking with the high orthopaedic shoe
resulted in improved functional mobility (22%; p<.001), walking speed (37%;
p<.001) and gait characteristics compared to walking with normal shoes. The dual
task interfered with functional mobility during walking. The interference was
equally big for normal shoes as for the orthopaedic shoe. Patients evaluated
walking with the high orthopaedic shoe as an improvement (p<.001). An average of
84% reported improvements in foot lifting, swing progression, taking weight,
confidence while walking, safety, walking distance and walking speed. CONCLUSION:
In the early recovery phase after stroke, when regaining walking ability, a
temporary high orthopaedic shoe can improve hemiplegic gait, even with dual task
interference.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS