The use of a therapist-made ankle-foot orthosis after stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the immediate effect of a temporary ankle foot orthosis on thigh muscle activity in stroke patients
IRAS ID
226221
Contact name
Will Young
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Brunel University London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
6800-NHS-Jun/2017- 7600-2, University of Brunel internal reference number
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Over 100,000 individuals suffer a stroke in the UK every year with 65% of survivors reporting severe disability. Motor problems are the most common impairment in stroke with 72% reporting deficit in their lower limbs. Further, stroke users have shown impairment in activity of the muscles around the hips as well as pelvic alignment that likely contribute to difficulties in standing and stepping.
Timely provision of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) is recommended in stroke rehabilitation to improve loading of the affected limb alongside improving factors such as speed and step length. Early intervention, in particular, shows improvements to balance and activity levels. By using therapist-made ankle foot orthoses (TM AFOs) using a combination of soft and scotch materials, early access to a custom AFO is increased post-stroke so these are used when clinically indicated as a temporary measure prior to more long-term rigid AFOs, for patients that may have changing rehabilitation needs. However, the research into the early use of TM AFOs is limited, with no evidence if these can improve leg muscle activity.
Patients who have suffered a stroke and are clinically indicated for a TM AFO will be asked to stand and walk a short distance both barefoot and whilst wearing their prescribed TM AFO in the Gait Laboratory at Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton. The effects will then be compared to normative data from non-stroke volunteers. The inpatients will also be asked further questions about themselves and their stroke either on the ward or in the therapy gym at Queen Mary's Hospital or St George's Hospital. This study will investigate, for the first time, whether a TM AFO can aid stepping and standing in early stroke rehabilitation, particularly in terms of muscle activity.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EE/0342
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion