The effect of ankle–foot orthosis plantarflexion stiffness on ankle and knee joint kinematics and kinetics during first and second rockers of gait in individuals with stroke

It was suggested that those with the decreased ability to actively plantarflex their ankle could not overcome excessive plantarflexion stiffness at initial contact of gait, and as a result exhibited compensation strategies at the knee joint. Providing excessively stiff ankle–foot orthoses might put added stress on the extensor muscles of the knee joint, potentially creating fatigue and future pathologies in some patients with stroke.

Source: Clinical Biomechanics - September 10, 2014 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Madeline L. Singer, Toshiki Kobayashi, Lucas S. Lincoln, Michael S. Orendurff, K. Bo Foreman Tags: Brief report Source Type: research