Wednesday, 21 September 2016

Comparing Plantarflexor Power and Function using Carbon Fiber Versus Traditional Thermoplastic Ankle Foot Orthoses

Ankle muscle performance is affected in 10-20% of those who have had a strok  and ankle muscle performance impairment is a common residual from trauma, multiple sclerosis and neurological injury and illness.

Thermoplastic Ankle Foot
Loss of ankle muscle performance results in an inefficient walking pattern and increases the risk of falling. Loss of ankle dorsiflexor muscle performance results in a foot drop during the swing phase of walking and at initial contact with the ground, increasing the risk of falls as a consequence of a functionally longer leg.

Loss of ankle plantarflexor muscle performance results in poorly controlled tibial progression over the planted foot during stance and lack of push off (ankle power) at the end of stance. Overall, in those with impaired ankle function, walking speed is slower, step length is decreased, and ability to perform dynamic activities often required in daily life is limited (e.g. fast walking or jogging to cross the street safely, walking on uneven surfaces and up hills).

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