Abstract | BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: An ankle- foot orthosis with an oil damper (AFO-OD) was developed to resist plantarflexion motion, thereby improving hemiplegic gait performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of AFO-OD on muscle activity during the gait cycle in individuals affected by stroke. METHODS: Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess gait at a self-selected speed while wearing an AFO-OD or an AFO with a plantarflexion stop (AFO-PS) worn on the affected side in 11 stroke survivors and on the right side in 11 age-matched healthy adults. EMG signals were obtained from the tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius (GAS), and soleus ( SOL) muscles. In addition, the ankle joint angle under both braces and the plantarflexion resistance torque (PFRT) under AFO-OD were monitored. RESULTS: Peak PFRT under AFO-OD was observed during the loading response phase (LRP) in both groups. AFO-OD promoted adequate plantarflexion during LRP in the stroke group, whereas AFO-PS did not. Compared with the AFO-PS, the AFO-OD significantly reduced GAS EMG amplitude during LRP in the stroke group, which was significantly correlated with peak PFRT during LRP. CONCLUSION: AFO-OD assisted the "heel rocker function" and reduced GAS muscle EMG amplitude during LRP.
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Authors | Koji Ohata, Tadashi Yasui, Tadao Tsuboyama, Noriaki Ichihashi |
Journal | Gait & posture
(Gait Posture)
Vol. 33
Issue 1
Pg. 102-7
(Jan 2011)
ISSN: 1879-2219 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 21074442
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
Topics |
- Adult
- Ankle Joint
- Electromyography
- Equipment Design
- Gait
(physiology)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Muscle Contraction
(physiology)
- Muscle Strength
(physiology)
- Muscle, Skeletal
(physiopathology)
- Orthotic Devices
- Stroke
(physiopathology)
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