Functional stability was improved in patients who have had a stroke when they used AFOs, according to a study recently published in Disability and Rehabilitation.
Researchers assessed 23 individuals with unilateral hemiparesis due to stroke using the Functional Reach Test. The individuals performed reaches forward, left and right while standing with or without an AFO. When provided with an AFO, the individuals with stroke improved the maximal reaching distance in all directions (P < 0.05).
The researchers report that this outcome could be used to optimize balance rehabilitation for individuals with stroke.
Reference:
Rao N, et al. Disab Rehab. 2015; doi:10.3109/17483107.2015.1027300.
Disclosure: See the study for a full list of the authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
